How to export nuts and seeds from the UK to China

Start with the manufacturer and the exact product

Nuts and seeds fall within the recommended registration route: confirm your product in GACC’s registration system. Under GACC Decree 280, the manufacturer applies itself or through an agent and needs its country’s competent-authority recommendation, supported by a plant audit report and recommendation letter. Allow months, not weeks for approval; the Chinese authority decides.

HMRC recorded £2.3m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 41 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £60k, +3731.9%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £106k. January to July 2026: £1.1m against £1.5m in the same months of 2025 (-29.7%). These are exports under the HS codes listed in the table caption.

The largest UK export line was 12079996 at £2.1m (207.1万英镑), within HS6 120799. That line’s total covers goods under its code; it is not evidence of demand for your particular nut or seed. Keep the edible product’s intended use distinct from sowing seed when preparing the classification.

Cost the Chinese tariff line before quoting

There is no single duty rate for these goods. Under the 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff, shelled almonds, HS6 080212, Chinese line 08021200, have a 10% MFN rate; shelled walnuts, HS6 080232, line 08023200, have 20%. Shelled cashews, HS6 080132, line 08013200, have 10% MFN and a 7% provisional rate for 2026. Linseed, HS6 120400, line 12040000, has 15% MFN and a 9% provisional rate.

Import VAT is generally 13%, with 9% applying to agricultural products under the VAT Law. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the treatment of your exact product and whether consumption tax applies. VAT uses the customs value plus duty plus consumption tax as its base. Border taxes add to landed cost and therefore shape the price your importer can offer.

Prepare the pack and registration details together

For prepackaged goods, prepare a Chinese label naming the place of origin and the domestic agent’s name, address and contact details. The food safety national standards list includes GB 19300-2014, Nuts and Seeds Foods. Have the Chinese partner review the product and artwork against applicable requirements; check labels designed now against current rules and GB 7718-2025, which takes effect on 16 March 2027.

The registered manufacturer must put its China registration number, or the number approved by its home authority, on the packaging. Its overseas manufacturer registration number must also be entered correctly on the import declaration. Separately, the overseas exporter or agent files with GACC, and the food importer files with its local customs office.

Arrange the UK export declaration

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the goods before declaring through the online export declaration service. Give the declarant the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates. Agree responsibility for preparing these details before dispatch.

Use bonded e-commerce only for eligible lines

The cross-border retail list only partly covers this category. Listed Chinese lines are 08011100, 08011990, 08012200, 08013200, 08021100 and 08021200: dried coconut, other fresh coconut, shelled Brazil nuts, shelled cashews, in-shell almonds and shelled almonds respectively. Every listed entry carries the remark “bonded online purchases only”. Do not extend that eligibility to other nuts or seeds.

Eligible retail imports are supervised as personal-use articles, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied, subject to emergency and suspended-epidemic-area exceptions. The overseas business must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration and truthful declarations, sharing civil liability. Consumers must accept the risk notice, including possible differences from Chinese standards and labels; the goods may not be resold.

Find an importer who can handle your particular line

Ask prospective importers which exact product and Chinese tariff line they will handle, how they will use the manufacturer’s registration number, and who will review the Chinese artwork and landed-cost calculation. 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 any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; your own filings remain yours. We check with licensed partners. See our export service for support with finding and checking a trading partner.