Customs and Import Tax: China to United Kingdom (2026)
What a parcel from China pays when it reaches United Kingdom, and how tax-free lines work.
VAT is 20%. Goods worth GBP 135 or less: the seller or platform charges the VAT at checkout and there is usually no customs duty. Above GBP 135 you pay VAT (and customs duty if due) to the delivery company before you get the parcel. KakoBuy has no tax-free line to United Kingdom right now, so import tax may be asked on delivery.
Rules checked on 5 November 2026 on the official sources below. Rules change: check them before a big order.
Official sources
Tax-free shipping lines to United Kingdom
None on KakoBuy right now.
All lines and prices: rep shipping to United Kingdom · cheapest line $17 for 1 kg.
Questions
Do I pay import tax on a parcel from China to United Kingdom?
VAT is 20%. Goods worth GBP 135 or less: the seller or platform charges the VAT at checkout and there is usually no customs duty. Above GBP 135 you pay VAT (and customs duty if due) to the delivery company before you get the parcel.
What is a tax-free shipping line?
A line where the agent pays the import tax and duty when the parcel enters the country, so nothing is asked at your door. It is part of the shipping price.
Is there a tax-free line to United Kingdom?
KakoBuy has no tax-free line to United Kingdom right now, so import tax may be asked on delivery.