Can we export before replacement components arrive?
Yes, if inward processing prior-export equivalence is authorised and your available stock meets the equivalence criteria. You can export products made from that stock before importing replacement components from China, normally within 6 months. Cambridge China Bridge can help gather component specifications and factory dispatch evidence.
Use available stock to fulfil the export order
Prior-export equivalence lets you export products made from equivalent goods already in free circulation before importing the goods needed for processing or repair. For example, you could use available components to make the customer's order, then import matching replacements from China.
Before promising delivery, separate the production question from the customs question. Confirm that the available components can fulfil the order, then ask your customs agent to check the proposed route. Our inward processing guide covers the wider procedure. For faulty-goods exchanges, see receiving replacements before returning originals.
Check equivalence at component level
HMRC requires the equivalent goods to share the same 8-digit tariff commodity code, commercial quality and technical characteristics. Matching a factory part name alone is not enough evidence for that comparison.
Prepare a comparison showing material, dimensions, performance, revision and supporting test results for the available stock and the Chinese replacements. Record any difference and ask whether the customer accepts it. Use your product specification as the comparison baseline.
Check the authorisation before dispatch
Tell HMRC that you intend to use equivalence when applying for special procedure authorisation. If you already hold an authorisation and subsequently need equivalence, apply for an amendment. Exports under prior-export equivalence must take place under customs control.
Give your customs agent the authorisation letter, component comparison, production plan and proposed export documents. Ask them to confirm how the export and replacement import will be linked before releasing the shipment. Keep the factory booking provisional until that check is resolved.
Work backwards from the replacement-import deadline
HMRC's public guide says replacement goods must be imported within 6 months. Its inward processing manual says the authorisation letter must specify the period after export, normally no longer than 6 months. Use the deadline in your letter when planning the Chinese shipment.
For most goods, HMRC can extend the limit to a maximum of 12 months from export; this is not automatic permission to wait. Agricultural goods cannot have an extension beyond 6 months from export. If dispatch slips, contact HMRC about an extension rather than assuming the factory's revised shipping date changes your deadline.
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Match the replacement import to the export
The authorised equivalent quantity contained in the exported product determines the duty credit. That credit is offset by subsequently entering the same quantity of non-UK goods to inward processing within the time limit. Follow the record requirements in your authorisation letter.
Keep a linked file containing the exported product's component usage, stock references, export evidence, replacement purchase order and import entry. Review it against our stock records and discharge guide. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can help check replacement specifications and collect dispatch evidence while your customs agent manages the declarations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship before the Chinese components arrive?
Yes, where authorised prior-export equivalence covers the transaction and your available goods meet the equivalence criteria. Have your customs agent check the plan before dispatch.
Does my inward processing authorisation cover equivalence?
Check its scope. HMRC requires you to request equivalence when applying, or apply for an amendment if you need it after authorisation.
When must I import the replacement components?
Use the period stated in your authorisation letter, normally no longer than 6 months after export. For most goods, an extension up to 12 months from export may be available from HMRC.
What should I ask the Chinese factory for?
Ask for the exact component revision, material and performance evidence, batch references and a confirmed dispatch plan. Compare these with the components used in the exported products.