How to export cell culture media from the UK to China

Choose the route for your formulation

For cell culture media and biological reagents under HS 300249/382100, give the importer’s customs broker the composition and intended use to confirm classification and shipment requirements. GACC Decree 280 concerns overseas food manufacturers, so its food-manufacturer registration does not apply here. These products are not on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list; plan the shipment with a commercial importer. For diagnostic products, see our guide to exporting diagnostic and laboratory reagents to China. For vaccines, see UK vaccine exports to China.

HMRC recorded £34.3m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 300249, 382100 in 2025 (2024: £18.6m, +84.6%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.3m. January to July 2026: £28.6m against £18.8m in the same months of 2025 (+52.5%).

The largest UK export line was 38210000, prepared culture media, at £21.5m in 2025. This is the total under that HS line, not sales of your particular medium.

Calculate the border costs before quoting

The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff distinguishes the Chinese lines below. The provisional rates are 0% for 30024990 and 2% for 38210000. Have the importer confirm the line and applicable rate for your formulation before agreeing a selling price.

The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its reduced-rate list and special rules. Import VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax as its base. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the medium. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Check whether certificate 7332 fits the medium

GOV.UK lists active quarantine certificate 7332 for exporting cell culture media containing no components originating from animals to China, with an online application route. Check with the relevant authority whether the certificate applies to your formulation and what shipment requirements need to be met. If animal-origin components are present, this certificate’s stated scope does not cover the medium; obtain confirmation of the appropriate shipment requirements before dispatch.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any export licences or certificates needed for the shipment, including certificate 7332 where applicable.

Find and check a Chinese importer

Choose an importer able to discuss your formulation, intended use, tariff classification and certificate scope with its customs broker. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If a Chinese 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. Regulated roles stay with licensed partners, and the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. We check with licensed partners and give no legal or tax advice.

Use our export-to-China service to arrange importer finding or checks for your medium.