How to export cables from the UK to China

Choose the route for your cables and wiring

Cables and wiring require a product-level classification and certification check before shipment: some products fall within the compulsory certification catalogue. The supplied cross-border e-commerce retail import list contains no matching entry, so do not build your sales plan around that route. Give your prospective importer the conductor material, voltage, connector configuration and intended use to assess the product.

The trade scope is UK exports under HS 8544-8547 (14 subheadings). The largest UK export line was 85444290, insulated electric conductors fitted with connectors for a voltage not exceeding 1.000 V, at £6.8m in 2025. These are HS-code totals, rather than sales of your particular product.

For UK exports under HS 8544-8547 (14 subheadings): HMRC recorded £26.6m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 14 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £31.0m, -14.1%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £89.0m. January to July 2026: £18.7m against £16.0m in the same months of 2025 (+16.3%).

Check the CCC product scope before committing stock

The CCC reference table identifies cord sets under 8544422100 and 8544422900; PVC-insulated and rubber-insulated cables rated up to 450/750 V under 8544492100; and enclosures for accessories for household and similar fixed electrical installations under 8547200000 and 8547909000. These entries specify third-party certification. A matching commodity code is a screening flag: confirm whether the actual product falls within the catalogue scope.

For cables requiring certification, allow months, not weeks for approval; the Chinese authority decides. Resolve the product scope and certification arrangements before agreeing shipment. Ask the importer’s customs broker to confirm the requirement for each model, including accessories classified separately from the cable.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

Chinese MFN duty varies by cable tariff line. Do not quote one duty rate for the whole range: the listed 854442 lines are at 0%, while 854449 lines vary and 85446090 is at 15%. Agree the Chinese tariff line with the importer before using duty in your pricing.

The standard import VAT rate is 13%, subject to the law’s exceptions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the cables. Duty and import VAT add to landed cost and therefore shape the price the importer can offer.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify each cable or accessory under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any export licences or certificates. Keep connector and voltage descriptions consistent with the product information used for the Chinese classification.

Find an importer who can assess your actual range

Ask prospective importers to explain which cable models they want, the Chinese tariff lines they propose and how they will address the relevant certification scope. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record remains with licensed partners in China, and the brand’s own filings remain the brand’s. Use our export-to-China service to discuss finding or checking an importer for your cables.