How to export trainers from the UK to China
Start with the footwear's materials and construction, then agree its Chinese tariff line and import route with the buyer. Listed MFN rates are generally 10%, with 4% for 64021200; import VAT also shapes landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Trainers, sports and waterproof footwear: settle the route first
Give the buyer specifications covering the uppers, outer soles, ankle coverage and intended use so their customs broker can confirm the Chinese tariff line and route before you quote. Cross-border retail eligibility covers only part of this range. The largest UK export line to China was 64041990, textile-upper footwear with rubber or plastic soles, under HS 640419: £2.4m in 2025, an HS-code total rather than trainers alone.
Under HS 6401-6404 (11 subheadings): HMRC recorded £4.5m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 11 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £5.1m, -11.4%).
UK exports under HS 6401-6404 (11 subheadings): Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £6.3m. January to July 2026: £5.1m against £2.7m in the same months of 2025 (+85.7%).
Build Chinese border taxes into the buyer's price
The listed Chinese footwear lines have MFN rates of 10%, except 64021200 at 4%. Match each style to its Chinese line rather than copying a UK suffix. Duty and import VAT add to the importer's landed cost and therefore affect the price they can offer your brand.
The VAT Law sets a standard import rate of 13%, subject to its exceptions. Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the footwear and the applicable VAT treatment before the landed-cost calculation is finalised.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 64011010 | 10% |
| 64011090 | 10% |
| 64019210 | 10% |
| 64019290 | 10% |
| 64019900 | 10% |
| 64021200 | 4% |
| 64021900 | 10% |
| 64022000 | 10% |
| 64029100 | 10% |
| 64029910 | 10% |
| 64029921 | 10% |
| 64029929 | 10% |
| 64041100 | 10% |
| 64041910 | 10% |
| 64041990 | 10% |
| 64042010 | 10% |
| 64042090 | 10% |
Prepare the UK footwear export declaration
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain an EORI number starting GB and identify the correct UK commodity code. Keep the product description consistent with the footwear specifications supplied to the buyer; the UK export code and Chinese import line need separate checks.
The online export declaration needs the EORI number, commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Agree who prepares the declaration before dispatching the footwear.
Check the partial cross-border retail listing
The cross-border retail import list matches 64019210, 64019290, 64019900, 64021200, 64021900 and 64022000. Do not extend that match to all trainers. For 64021900, goods listed in the import/export wild animal and plant species catalogue are excluded if the specified certificate confirming a species outside that catalogue cannot be provided.
Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, subject to epidemic-area suspensions and emergency risk handling. The overseas seller carries primary quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability.
Before ordering, consumers must accept a notice covering origin-country standards, possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of Chinese labels with a Chinese electronic label available online, and personal use without resale. The transaction limits are RMB 5,000 per purchase and RMB 26,000 annually per person. This route therefore needs a consumer retail plan rather than distributor stock for resale.
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Find and check a Chinese footwear buyer
Assess whether a prospective buyer wants stock for distribution or operates a qualifying cross-border retail route, and have them resolve the tariff classification and product requirements before agreeing supply. 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.
Through our export-to-China service, 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' roles; the brand's own filings remain the brand's. We check with those partners. Include the footwear specifications and proposed route when discussing the work.
Frequently asked questions
What is China's import duty on trainers?
Chinese line 64041100 has an MFN rate of 10%. The other listed footwear lines are also 10%, except 64021200 at 4%. Confirm the line for each style before pricing.
Can I sell trainers through cross-border e-commerce?
Only part of this range matches the retail import list: 64019210, 64019290, 64019900, 64021200, 64021900 and 64022000. Eligibility cannot be assumed for 64041100 trainers.
What UK paperwork do I need to export trainers?
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, use a GB EORI and the correct commodity code. Prepare the export declaration details, invoice and packing list references, and give the carrier any applicable licences or certificates.
Can a Chinese distributor resell cross-border retail imports?
Footwear imported through the listed cross-border retail route is for consumers' personal use and may not be resold. Agree a suitable route before supplying distributor stock.