How to export displays from the UK to China

Check the model's import route before offering stock

Displays, monitors and televisions have different tariff and certification treatment. HMRC recorded £6.6m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 15 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £9.2m, -27.8%). These are UK exports under HS 8524-8528 (15 subheadings).

Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £4.4m. January to July 2026: £3.7m against £3.8m in the same months of 2025 (-1.6%). These are UK exports under HS 8524-8528 (15 subheadings).

Some displays need CCC certification before import; assess each model. The largest UK export line was 85285291, LCD monitors designed for computer use but not principally used in data-processing systems, at £2.6m. That is the UK export-line total under HS 852852, rather than sales of your model. Ask prospective buyers which models and uses they want before preparing a China quotation.

Price against the Chinese tariff line

Chinese tariff rates differ materially within these HS headings. Selected MFN rates appear below. Line 85249250 has a 15% MFN rate and a 5% provisional rate for 2026. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the Chinese line and applicable rate for each model.

Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to the VAT Law's exceptions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the display. Duty and VAT add to landed cost, shaping the price the importer can offer you.

Resolve CCC scope and safety requirements

The CCC reference table includes colour television receivers and display equipment used with computers. Its reference codes include 8528420000, 8528521100, 8528529100 and 8528722200. A code match is a starting point: obtain confirmation of the model's catalogue scope and applicable certification route. Plan for approvals to take months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the outcome.

GB 4943.1-2022 is the current mandatory safety standard for audio/video, information technology and communication technology equipment, effective from 2023-08-01. Give the certification partner the exact model specification and available test evidence so it can assess the applicable requirements before you commit stock.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the display under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Agree who will make the declaration. Give the carrier the invoice and any export licences or certificates needed for the shipment.

Use cross-border retail only for eligible models

The cross-border e-commerce retail import list covers only part of this range: 85285211 for LCD monitors used with automatic data-processing equipment, and television lines 85287221, 85287222, 85287229, 85287291 and 85287292. Eligibility for one line does not extend to every display or television.

Listed goods imported through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels are supervised as personal-use articles. First-import licence, registration and filing requirements are not applied, subject to the stated epidemic-area and emergency-risk exceptions. The overseas business retains product quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability.

The consumer must accept the risk notice before ordering, including possible differences from Chinese standards and the possible absence of a Chinese label with an electronic Chinese label available online. Goods are for personal use and cannot be resold. The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 per person annually; this route cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.

Find and check a Chinese buyer

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands through our export-to-China service. If a Chinese importer has already approached your brand, 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 and, where required, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; your brand's own filings stay your brand's. We check the display's proposed route with licensed partners.