Import guide
China to UK Air Freight Guide
A practical guide for UK businesses importing commercial goods from China with Logiair.
Door-to-door, step by step
Logiair coordinates the journey from your supplier in China through UK arrival and onward delivery. Timing depends on collection readiness, airline capacity, routing, screening, customs processing, and final-mile arrangements.
01
Collect and prepare
Confirm the collection address, cargo readiness date, packing details, commercial invoice, packing list, and the agreed Incoterm with your supplier.
02
Export and fly
Cargo is collected or delivered to the origin terminal, screened and prepared for export before moving on the booked air route.
Plan around cargo readiness and documentation, not a fixed transit promise.
03
Arrive and clear
Shipments arrive through Heathrow or Manchester, where customs entries and any required checks are handled before release.
04
Deliver in the UK
Once released, Logiair arranges delivery to your nominated UK business address.
Route planning
Hubs, quotes and cargo basics
China origin hubs
Collections and airport handling can be planned around Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Chengdu and Chongqing.
UK arrival hubs
Air cargo commonly arrives through Heathrow or Manchester before customs release and UK delivery.
What to include
Share collection and delivery postcodes, cargo-ready date, commodity, package count, dimensions, gross weight and Incoterm.
Air freight pricing
Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight, the route and service level. Fuel and security surcharges, available capacity and shipment requirements can also affect the final cost. Accurate dimensions help avoid revisions, so request a tailored quote for your shipment.
Holiday and peak season
Chinese New Year, Golden Week and the year-end peak season can reduce capacity and increase demand, which may raise pricing and extend booking lead times. Book early where possible and request a tailored quote before cargo is ready.
HS codes
Use the correct commodity description and HS code to support classification, customs declarations and duty assessment.
Import essentials
Customs and commercial questions
Use these points to prepare a clearer enquiry and reduce avoidable delays.
Next step
Request your air freight quote
Email quote@logiair.co.uk with your collection point, delivery postcode, cargo details, ready date and Incoterm.