How to export ceramic ware from the UK to China

Start with the ceramic's material, use and import route

For ceramic, pottery and ornamental ware, distinguish tableware from ornaments and porcelain from other ceramics before agreeing the Chinese tariff line and route with your buyer. Have the buyer's customs broker confirm the requirements for the intended goods. GACC Decree 280 concerns overseas food manufacturers, so its registration requirement does not apply to these ceramics. The largest UK export line was 69120025, earthenware or fine pottery tableware and kitchenware, at £852k in 2025. For porcelain tableware, see our guide to exporting porcelain to China.

HMRC recorded £1.6m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 691200, 691310, 691390, 691410, 691490 in 2025 (2024: £1.8m, -10.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £1.9m. January to July 2026: £380k against £928k in the same months of 2025 (-59.1%).

Price against the Chinese tariff line

The verified MFN rates are shown below. Other porcelain articles under 69141000 attract 15%, compared with 7% for porcelain ornaments under 69131000. Import VAT is generally 13%, calculated on customs value plus duty plus any consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these ceramics. These border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price your importer can offer.

Check whether cross-border retail fits your range

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list covers only part of this range: 69120010, 69120090, 69131000, 69141000 and 69149000 are matched entries. Confirm your item's eligibility before choosing this route. Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles. Consumers must accept a notice explaining possible differences from Chinese standards and labels, and that the goods cannot be resold.

The overseas seller bears the main product quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. The retail limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person. For your ceramics, build these responsibilities and limits into the retail arrangement before accepting orders.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For ceramic exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and identify the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the goods' value, weight and packaging, destination and transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licences or certificates. Keep the description of material and use consistent with the tariff classification agreed for the shipment.

Find and check the Chinese buyer before committing stock

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your ceramic business, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. Use our export-to-China service to arrange that work.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China where required. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; the brand's own filings remain the brand's. We check requirements with those partners before preparing the work for your ceramic range.