How to export Paper from the UK to China
To export paper to China, identify the exact Chinese tariff line, agree the import route with the buyer and prepare the UK export declaration. Duty varies by line, with several provisional rates at 0%; import VAT also affects landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Match the paper grade to the buyer's import route
For paper and paperboard, start with the specific grade and Chinese tariff line before agreeing a shipment.
The UK export statistics below cover the listed codes collectively; use the buyer's required grade to assess your opportunity.
Under HS 4802-4811 (51 subheadings): HMRC recorded £23.2m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 51 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £30.9m, -24.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.0m. January to July 2026: £14.5m against £12.0m in the same months of 2025 (+20.9%).
Price against the Chinese tariff line
The 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff distinguishes even closely related paper lines. Handmade paper under HS 480210 splits into Chinese lines 48021010 and 48021090, with different provisional rates. Selected lines appear below. Elsewhere, 48043900 has an MFN rate of 2%, 48054000 of 6% and 48102200 of 5%. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the classification and applicable rate before fixing your export price.
Import VAT has a standard rate of 13%, subject to statutory exceptions; its base is customs value plus duty plus consumption tax. The buyer's adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the paper. These charges affect landed cost and the price the buyer can offer. The largest listed UK export line to China was Wellenstoff under HS 480519, UK line 48051910, at £4.1m in 2025; that is the code total.
| Chinese tariff line | MFN rate | Provisional 2026 rate |
|---|---|---|
| 48021010 | 6% | 4% |
| 48021090 | 6% | 5% |
| 48022010 | 6% | 0% |
| 48022090 | 6% | 0% |
| 48026200 | 5% | 0% |
| 48051900 | 6% | 0% |
| 48059190 | 6% | 0% |
| 48114100 | 6% | 0% |
| 48115910 | 6% | 0% |
Prepare the UK declaration for the actual shipment
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the paper using the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Keep the grade description and shipment details consistent so your buyer can reconcile the UK paperwork with its Chinese classification.
Separate food registration from the paper's requirements
GACC Decree 280 covers overseas food producers, processors and storage enterprises, so its food-manufacturer registration does not apply to the paper. Before accepting the order, obtain confirmation from the importer's customs broker or the relevant authority of the requirements for the exact grade and intended use. Make that confirmation a shipment decision rather than treating the food-registration exclusion as clearance to export.
Use retail cross-border e-commerce only for matching lines
The cross-border e-commerce retail import list covers only part of this range: 48026200, 48114100, 48115110, 48115910, 48115991 and 48115999. The 48026200 entry specifies sheets with mechanical fibres exceeding 10% of total fibre weight, one side ≤435mm and the other ≤297mm, unfolded. Match the full description, rather than assuming every paper grade under the same HS6 qualifies.
Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels receive personal-use supervision, with first-import licence, registration and filing requirements disapplied, subject to epidemic-area suspensions and emergency risk handling. Consumers must accept the required risk notice, and the goods may not be resold. This route therefore cannot supply paper bought for onward distribution.
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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 you, 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 alongside your proposed grade, shipment and buyer requirements.
We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and, for cross-border e-commerce where required, the mainland agent remain licensed-partner roles in China; your own filings remain yours. The overseas retail business carries product quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declaration and shared civil liability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chinese import duty on UK paper always zero?
No. Chinese lines 48021010 and 48021090 have provisional 2026 rates of 4% and 5%. Line 48051900 has a provisional rate of 0%. Match your paper to its exact Chinese tariff line.
Does my paper mill need GACC food registration?
GACC Decree 280 food-manufacturer registration does not apply to paper. Obtain confirmation of the requirements for the particular grade and intended use before shipping.
Can I sell every paper grade through cross-border e-commerce?
No. The retail list covers selected Chinese lines, including 48114100 and 48115910. The goods must match the listed description, are for personal use and may not be resold.
What UK export information should I prepare for paper?
Prepare the GB EORI, correct commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references for the declaration. Give the carrier the invoice and applicable licences or certificates.