Ship personal effects and household goods from the UK to China by sea freight — LCL to Shanghai, Guangzhou (Yantian), Tianjin, and beyond. 10-12 weeks transit.
Sea freight is significantly cheaper than air cargo for larger volumes of personal effects and household goods. For 10 or more boxes, bags, or household furniture, LCL sea freight from the UK to China is typically 60-80% cheaper per cubic metre than air cargo — making it the method of choice for household relocations, returning residents, and larger family shipments.
China has one of the world's most sophisticated customs systems — personal effects require formal customs entry with detailed packing lists and declared values. Shanghai is the most popular UK-to-China sea freight gateway. Door-to-door delivery is available with correct documentation.
For smaller volumes or urgent shipments, air cargo from the UK to China takes 4-7 working days. Compare air vs sea →
Your personal effects are consolidated with other shippers in a shared container — you pay only for the cubic metres your goods occupy. Best for partial household moves and personal effects of 1-15 CBM. A standard removal box = approximately 0.09 CBM.
A dedicated 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your household goods. More economical than LCL for volumes above approximately 15 CBM. Best for full household relocations.
The LCL and CBM pricing above applies to bulk and groupage shipments — multiple boxes and household goods consolidated in a shared container. If you are sending one or two individual bags or suitcases door-to-door (subject to your destination) rather than a bulk consignment, these are priced differently, using cubic feet (CUFT) rather than cubic metres, charged on whichever is greater between actual weight and the space occupied.
See our sea freight personal effects guide for a full explanation of the CUFT method, including a worked example. Rates vary by route and are confirmed at the time of your quote — contact us on 0800 096 38 39 or WhatsApp for an accurate price for your luggage.
Detailed packing list required. Declared values must be accurate. Certain publications, medications, and electronics may be restricted.
Loose lithium-ion batteries and fresh perishable food are prohibited in all sea freight personal effects shipments worldwide. Full prohibited goods guide →
London (Canary Wharf, Soho Chinatown, Barnet), Manchester, Birmingham — large Chinese student and professional community
Get a quote in minutes, or call our UK-based team on 0800 096 38 39.
Excess Luggage Co. has been shipping personal effects from the UK since 1998 — over 28 years of experience. Operating from MetEx House, 2 miles from Heathrow cargo terminals, we are one of the UK's longest-established specialist luggage freight services. Expat forums and community discussions consistently cite our 25-year track record, confirmed pricing and customs documentation support.
For official customs requirements, import duties and restricted items guidance, visit the China Customs — the official customs authority for China. Always verify current requirements before shipping.
Shipping commercially? As well as personal effects, we handle commercial sea freight to China — full container load (FCL) and LCL groupage for businesses. LCL is charged on a weight or measure basis, so your dimensions matter as much as your weight. See commercial sea freight from the UK.
Door collection Monday to Friday from any UK address. Select your nearest city for local collection times and details:
Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00