How to export trailers from the UK to China
Classify your trailer and resolve whether its model needs CCC certification before import. Chinese MFN duty is 10% across the listed tariff lines; VAT treatment also affects the importer's offer. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Choose the import route before offering stock
Trailers and hand-drawn vehicles need a product-specific route into China: some trailers require CCC certification before import. The listed codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so build your proposal around conventional importing and resolve certification before committing stock.
Under HS 8716-8716 (7 subheadings): HMRC recorded £3.1m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 7 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £3.5m, -12.6%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.8m.
UK exports under HS 8716-8716 (7 subheadings): January to July 2026: £28.0m against £2.1m in the same months of 2025 (+1255.2%).
Separate complete trailers, hand vehicles and parts
Use HS 871610 for caravan-type trailers; 871620 for agricultural self-loading or self-unloading trailers; 871631 for tankers; 871639 for goods trailers; 871640 for other trailers; 871680 for hand-propelled and other non-mechanically propelled vehicles; and 871690 for parts. Give the importer your model description and intended use so its customs broker can confirm the Chinese tariff line.
The largest supplied UK export line was 87168000, covering hand-propelled and other non-mechanically propelled vehicles: £2.6m of UK exports to mainland China under HS 871680 in 2025. That is an HS-code total, so it should not be presented as demand for your particular trailer model.
Resolve CCC certification for the exact model
The CCC reference table matches 8716100000, 8716311000, 8716319000, 8716391000, 8716399000 and 8716400000 to the vehicle entry, using third-party certification. A code match calls for checking the exact model's catalogue scope before import; it does not settle every product's certification requirements. Where approval is required, allow months, not weeks; the Chinese authority decides the outcome.
Price against the Chinese border charges
The listed Chinese tariff lines below all have an MFN rate of 10%. These charges add to the importer's landed cost and affect the price it can offer your business.
The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, with 9% applying to listed goods including agricultural machinery. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the treatment of an agricultural trailer and whether consumption tax applies to your product. Import VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus any applicable consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable VAT rate.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 87161000 | 10% |
| 87162000 | 10% |
| 87163110 | 10% |
| 87163190 | 10% |
| 87163910 | 10% |
| 87163990 | 10% |
| 87164000 | 10% |
| 87168000 | 10% |
| 87169000 | 10% |
Prepare the UK declaration around the shipment
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, classify the trailer or parts correctly and obtain a GB EORI number. The online export declaration needs the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licences or certificates; agree who will make the declaration before arranging collection.
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Check the importer before signing or shipping
Assess whether a prospective importer can handle your trailer model's classification, CCC position 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. See our export service.
We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The regulated importer-of-record role stays with licensed partners in China, and the brand's own filings stay the brand's. We check the proposed work with licensed partners.
Frequently asked questions
Do UK trailers need CCC certification for China?
Some do. The CCC reference table matches caravan, tanker, goods and other trailer codes to its vehicle entry. Confirm your exact model's catalogue scope before committing to import.
What Chinese import duty applies to trailers?
The listed Chinese tariff lines for trailers, hand vehicles and parts all carry 10% MFN duty. VAT also affects landed cost; confirm the applicable treatment before pricing.
Can I sell trailers through China's cross-border retail import route?
The listed trailer, hand-vehicle and parts codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Plan the shipment around conventional importing.
What paperwork do I need to export a trailer from Great Britain?
You need a GB EORI and the correct commodity code. The export declaration needs shipment details and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates.