How to export LED lamps from the UK to China

Confirm the lamp type and Chinese approval scope

For LED and electric lamps, identify whether you supply modules, finished lamps or another light source before agreeing an import route. LED modules fall under HS6 853951 and LED lamps under HS6 853952. The 2020 CCC reference table has no commodity-code match starting with the listed HS6 codes, but catalogue descriptions can still cover a product. Have the importer resolve that scope question before shipment.

For UK exports under HS 8539-8539 (12 subheadings): HMRC recorded £4.1m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 12 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £5.1m, -19.4%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £1.4m.

UK exports under HS 8539-8539 (12 subheadings): January to July 2026: £2.0m against £3.0m in the same months of 2025 (-32%). The largest listed UK export line was arc lamps, 85394100, at £2.1m. Treat the totals as trade under these codes, rather than demand for your particular LED range.

Price against the exact Chinese tariff line

The listed Chinese tariff lines distinguish LED modules at 6% MFN duty from LED bulbs and tubes at 8%; other lamp lines below carry 5%, 6% or 8%. Duty and import VAT add to landed cost and shape the price an importer can offer. The standard import VAT rate is 13%, subject to statutory exceptions.

Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable VAT rate. Your importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these lamps. Build the quotation around the Chinese tariff line for the actual model, rather than applying the module rate to a finished bulb.

Prepare the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify each lamp correctly. The online export declaration needs the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Keep module and finished-lamp descriptions distinct so the importer can reconcile them with the Chinese tariff lines.

Use cross-border retail only for listed lamp lines

The cross-border retail import list covers only part of this range: 85392991, incandescent bulbs not exceeding 12 volts; 85392999, other specified incandescent bulbs; 85395100, LED modules; 85395210, LED bulbs; and 85395220, LED tubes. Do not offer the whole range through this route merely because its LED lines appear on the list.

Listed goods imported through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles. First-import licence, registration and filing requirements are not applied, except for suspended epidemic-area goods or emergency risk handling. The overseas business remains responsible for quality and safety and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declaration and shared civil liability.

Consumers must accept a pre-order risk notice covering possible differences from Chinese standards and possible absence of a Chinese label, with a Chinese electronic label available online. Goods are for personal use and cannot be resold. The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person, so this route cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.

Find and check a Chinese lamp importer

Ask a prospective importer which lamp models it wants, which Chinese tariff lines it proposes and whether it intends resale or personal-use cross-border retail. 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 and, where required, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; your own filings remain yours. Use our export-to-China service to arrange the importer checks and preparation for your lamp range.