How to export shaving products from the UK to China

Separate the preparations from the razors

Shaving and hair removal includes shaving preparations under HS 330710 and non-electric razors of base metal under HS 821210. Assess each product separately: imported ordinary cosmetics need filing with NMPA before import, through a mainland responsible person. Claims such as sun protection or a new efficacy can put a cosmetic into the special category. Plan in months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the outcome. For anti-hair-loss cosmetics, see our guide to exporting anti-hair-loss products to China. For whitening skincare, see our guide to exporting whitening skincare to China.

HMRC recorded £272k of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 330710, 821210 in 2025 (2024: £350k, -22.2%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £216k. January to July 2026: £229k against £184k in the same months of 2025 (+24.7%).

Build the tariff lines into your offer

Chinese tariff line 33071000 has an MFN rate of 3% and 82121000 has a rate of 7%. The standard import VAT rate is 13%; its base includes customs value, customs duty and any consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the product. These border charges add to landed cost and shape the price your importer can offer.

Prepare the cosmetic label for importer review

For imported shaving cosmetics, the Chinese label can be printed directly or added as a sticker; a sticker's content must match the original label. Supply the original pack text and proposed Chinese artwork together. The importer must check the cosmetic's registration or filing and compliance with mandatory national standards and technical specifications, and must not import it if that check fails.

Prepare the UK export declaration

Find the correct UK commodity code for each product. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales need a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Provide the declarant with value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates.

The largest UK export line to mainland China under HS 821210 was 82121090, non-electric razors of base metal, at £174k in 2025. The other UK razor line is 82121010, for safety razors with non-replaceable blades. Keep the UK declaration classification distinct from Chinese tariff line 82121000.

Use cross-border retail for personal-use orders

Chinese codes 33071000 for shaving preparations and 82121000 for razors are on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels, listed goods are supervised as personal-use articles without first-import licensing, registration or filing requirements, subject to suspended epidemic-area imports and emergency risk handling. The overseas business retains primary quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability.

The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person. Before ordering, consumers must accept a notice explaining possible differences from Chinese standards and the possible absence of a Chinese label, with a Chinese electronic label available online. Purchases are for personal use and cannot be resold. Choose this route for consumer orders, rather than treating it as distributor stock.

Check the Chinese partner before committing stock

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If a Chinese importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. Use our export service to arrange this work.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The regulated roles remain with licensed partners in China: the importer of record and, where required, a responsible person or cross-border e-commerce agent. Your brand's own filings stay your brand's. We check with licensed partners.