AllChinaBuy UK shipping & HMRC customs 2026
Royal Mail, DHL and VAT on China parcels — practical landed-cost planning.
Importing rep hauls from AllChinaBuy to the United Kingdom post-Brexit means HMRC handles all customs clearance — no EU free movement. This guide covers VAT, possible duties, courier fees and what UK buyers on r/FashionReps pay in 2026.
HMRC & UK import rules after Brexit
All parcels from China enter the UK through HMRC customs. You typically pay:
- Import VAT — 20% on (item value + shipping + insurance), collected at border
- Customs duty — 0–12% depending on product category (many textile reps ~12%)
- Handling fee — Royal Mail £8, DHL/UPS £11–15 for customs clearance
Declared value on AllChinaBuy
UK buyers commonly declare £15–25 per kg of actual value at AllChinaBuy checkout. HMRC uses product descriptions and market data — generic "gift" or "clothes" declarations are frequently re-assessed. Keep QC photos as proof of purchase if queried.
Best shipping lines to the UK
- Royal Mail / EMS — 8–15 days, best budget option (£20–35 for 2 kg)
- DPD / DHL — 5–8 days, reliable tracking (£35–60 for 2 kg)
- Economy sea/air — 20–35 days, cheapest for large hauls
Compare lines in GBP on our UK shipping guide & calculator.
VAT calculation example (2 kg haul)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Items (CNY → GBP) | £85 |
| International shipping | £28 |
| Import VAT (20%) | £22.60 |
| Royal Mail handling | £8.00 |
| Total landed | ~£143 |
Parcel held at customs — what to do
Royal Mail or DHL sends a "pay customs charges" email/SMS with a link. Pay within 3 weeks. If no payment, parcel returns to China (AllChinaBuy warehouse) — return shipping is expensive. Use tracking on Royal Mail or DHL UK portal.