How to export paints and inks from the UK to China

Choose the route for your formulation

Paints, coatings and inks need a product-specific route: the CCC reference table includes solvent-based wood coatings, while the cross-border retail list covers only selected inks. Give the importer your formulation, intended use and product specifications before agreeing shipment. Confirm any certification requirements and their timing with the relevant authority or licensed partners.

Under HS 3208-3215 (11 subheadings), HMRC recorded £30.0m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 11 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £38.6m, -22.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £14.8m.

January to July 2026: £16.3m against £18.5m in the same months of 2025 (-12.1%). These are UK exports under the same HS codes. The largest UK export line to mainland China in 2025 was 32151900, printing ink other than black ink, at £4.9m; this is the whole tariff-line total.

Check CCC before accepting an order

The CCC reference table identifies solvent-based wood coatings under 3208901091, 3208901099, 3208909010, 3208909090, 3210000091 and 3210000099, with third-party certification. Match the actual coating to the catalogue scope with the importer and licensed partners before shipment. Required approvals take months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides. Cambridge China Bridge prepares registration and label work with licensed partners in China.

Build duty and VAT into the offer

The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff gives the MFN rates below. Stamping foils attract 15%, printing inks 6.5%, and writing ink 5%; the other listed lines attract 10%. Confirm the Chinese tariff line for each formulation before pricing. These charges add to the importer’s landed cost and shape the price it can offer your brand.

Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to the statutory exceptions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus any applicable consumption tax. Ask the importer’s customs broker or adviser to confirm whether consumption tax applies to the product and how the VAT base applies to the shipment.

Prepare the UK export and chemical checks

Classify each coating or ink using the correct UK commodity code. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales require a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Prepare the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates.

GOV.UK sets licences and special rules for controlled chemicals, drug precursors and hazardous chemicals. Check whether your formulation falls within those rules before committing to supply; the chemical check must address the actual product, rather than treating every paint or ink as subject to the same requirements.

Use retail e-commerce only for eligible inks

The cross-border retail list includes 32151900 only for home-printer ink, plus 32159010 writing ink and 32159090 drawing and other inks. The home-printer restriction does not open this route to all printing inks. Match the product to the listed description before choosing a retail channel.

Eligible goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, subject to epidemic-area suspensions and emergency risk measures. The overseas business remains responsible for quality and safety and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability.

Consumers must accept a risk notice covering possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of a Chinese label with an online Chinese e-label, and personal use without resale. The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person. This route therefore needs a consumer retail plan, rather than distributor stock for resale.

Find and check the Chinese buying partner

For these coatings, choose a prospective importer that can address the exact tariff line, CCC scope and chemical characteristics. Ask it to explain its proposed import route and who will handle any certification work. Compare its intended customers with your product’s use before agreeing stock or terms.

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

The importer of record and, where required, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners’ roles in China; your brand’s own filings remain yours. We check with licensed partners. Use our export-to-China service to arrange the importer checks and preparation.