UK projects buy from China on FOB terms and clear through Felixstowe, Southampton or London Gateway in 30–35 days. Post-Brexit the paperwork changed: UKCA marking, a customs declaration and 20% VAT at import. The underlying economics did not. The route still decides whether direct factory supply beats a local distributor.
Sea freight to the UK is 30–35 days; Felixstowe and Southampton take most volume.
UKCA marking replaced CE for in-scope products; check scope per component.
VAT at import is 20%, usually recoverable but a cash-flow item.
Northern Ireland follows a different customs regime; quote it separately.
Document errors, not shipping time, cause most customs delays.
1. What UK buyers actually verify
UK buyers verify marking, board grade and fire performance where relevant. UKCA is the marking regime for in-scope products; E1 board is common in residential work; and build-to-rent projects often ask for evidence on both. The factory should be able to name the board supplier and the marking position in writing.
2. Four sourcing routes compared
| Route | What you buy | Lead time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct factory FOB | Custom cabinets to your spec | 16 weeks | Build-to-rent above 30 units |
| UK importer stock | Standard sizes from a UK warehouse | 2–4 weeks | Small jobs and fill-ins |
| Local distributor | Branded cabinets, installed | 6–8 weeks | Single dwellings and retail |
| Hybrid | Factory boxes, UK fronts | 12–14 weeks | Design-led schemes |
Brexit added a customs step to every route, but it did not change the ranking. Direct FOB remains cheapest per unit above about 30 units.
3. Five documents to request before deposit
Board emission report and board supplier name
UKCA or CE position statement for in-scope components
Hardware specification with model numbers
Shop drawing sample for one typical unit
Pre-shipment inspection scope and checklist
The marking statement is the one most often missing. Ask for the position in writing rather than a logo on a brochure.
4. Where the money goes per unit
| Cost line | Share of landed cost |
|---|---|
| Factory price | 58–68% |
| Freight and insurance | 8–12% |
| Duty | 0–5% |
| Clearance and delivery | 5–8% |
| Installation | 12–18% |
VAT sits outside this table because it is usually recoverable. Cash flow still matters: 20% on the customs value is paid at import and reclaimed later.
5. Shipping and clearance into the UK
| Port | Best for | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Felixstowe | Midlands, East of England | 30–35 days |
| Southampton | South coast, South West | 30–35 days |
| London Gateway | London and the South East | 30–34 days |
Send the commercial invoice, packing list and marking statement to the broker before the vessel arrives. Most delays are document mismatches, not inspections. Packaging should meet the export standard before loading.
6. Installation and defect management
UK installation is usually subcontracted per site. Agree the inspection point, the defect definition and the replacement lead time before delivery. For build-to-rent, keep a spares pack per unit type, because matching a door finish six months later is harder than storing one spare door now.
7. Vetting a factory in 12 checks
Business and export licence
Board emission report
UKCA or CE position
Hardware brand authorisation
Shop drawing capability
Edge banding line
Packing standard
Container loading photos
UK shipment references
Inspection history
Lead time record
After-sales response
8. A schedule that holds
| Week | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1–2 | Drawings, approval, deposit |
| 3–9 | Production and in-line checks |
| 10 | Pre-shipment inspection |
| 11 | Loading and export clearance |
| 12–15 | Sea freight to UK port |
| 15–16 | Customs, delivery, installation |
The UK leg is longer at sea than the US West Coast, so the approval date matters more. Two weeks lost at drawing stage is two weeks lost on site.
9. Common mistakes on a first shipment
Three mistakes show up on almost every first shipment. The first is a certificate that names the factory but not the board grade. The second is a quote that leaves out VAT and duty at import. The third is a drawing approved after production starts, which moves every later date. Each is cheap to prevent and expensive to fix.
10. What to put in the purchase order
The purchase order should state the board grade, hardware model, door finish, packing standard and inspection scope. It should also name the Incoterm, the port and the party responsible for UKCA marking. A PO that lists only sizes and colours leaves the important terms to interpretation. Attach the hardware specification and the packaging standard as annexes.
11. Lead time and cash
Most factories ask for 30% deposit and the balance before loading. That means cash leaves your account roughly ten weeks before the container arrives. Model the working capital, not just the unit price, and hold back a retention until the pre-shipment inspection is signed off. The landed cost guide shows how to include the financing cost.
12. A worked example
Take a 60-unit apartment kitchen with a cabinet value of about $180,000 FOB. Freight adds 8–12%, VAT and duty at import adds its share, and installation adds 10–18% of the installed cost. The factory price is roughly two-thirds of the landed total; everything else is the route. Two ports can move the same cabinet by several hundred dollars per unit, which is why the route decision should come before the factory negotiation. Run the numbers in the landed cost guide before asking for a second factory quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is UKCA marking required for cabinets?
UKCA applies to products within the scope of UK product regulations. Cabinets are not always in scope, but hardware and some fitted components may be. Confirm the scope with your importer before assuming a mark is needed.
Does CE marking still work in the UK?
CE is no longer automatically recognised for products that require UKCA. Some categories accept both during transition, but the safe approach is to check the current UK rule for each component.
How much VAT do I pay at import?
Standard VAT is 20% on the customs value plus duty and freight. It is usually recoverable if you are VAT-registered, but it still affects cash flow.
Which UK port should I use?
Felixstowe and Southampton take most container traffic from China. London Gateway is growing and can be faster for London and the Southeast.
How long does customs take post-Brexit?
A clean entry is usually one to three days. Missing or mismatched documents are the main cause of delay, so send the commercial invoice and packing list to the broker before arrival.
Can I ship to Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland follows different rules under the Windsor Framework. Treat it as a separate customs route and confirm the applicable regime before quoting.
