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Europe ✈️ Air Freight 🚢 Sea Freight 21 KG

Cost to Ship 21KG from China to United Kingdom

What this shipment size actually costs, and whether consolidating up to the next bracket would be cheaper.

USD 2.9/KG Best Rate Now
5 Channels Available
2026-08-14 Last Updated

Shipping 21KG from China to United Kingdom costs approximately USD 61 all-in, based on a published rate of USD 2.89 per kilogram. That figure covers freight, duty and tax to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and delivery to your door, with nothing further to pay on arrival.

Estimated total
USD 61 for 21KG
By air
USD 9.69/kg, 5-10 days
By sea
USD 2.89/kg, 25-45 days
Customs authority
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

Rates last updated 2026-08-14. Figures are published channel prices for planning; the final quote depends on chargeable weight, cargo class and HS code.

Current Rates — China to United Kingdom (21 KG)

🟢 Updated 2026-08-14
Service Mode Rate (USD/KG) Total (21 KG) Details
Best Value DPD Sea Self-Tax/Deferred 🚢 Sea Freight USD 2.9 USD 61 View Details →
DPD Sea Duty Paid 🚢 Sea Freight USD 3.2 USD 67 View Details →
Air · Self-Tax/Deferred ✈️ Air Freight USD 9.7 USD 203 View Details →
Air · Duty Paid – FBA ✈️ Air Freight USD 10.0 USD 211 View Details →
Air · Duty Paid – Non-FBA ✈️ Air Freight USD 10.1 USD 212 View Details →
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Full Weight-Tier Rate Cards

Detailed per-weight pricing for every active route from China to United Kingdom. Each tier reflects the published rate at that exact weight — useful for accurate budgeting at common shipment sizes.

DPD Sea Self-Tax/Deferred

🚢 Sea Freight → UK
⭐ Best Value at 21 KG
📅 Updated 2026-08-14 📊 19 weight tiers 💱 USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 21 KG
15 KG USD 2.76 USD 57.96
16 KG USD 2.64 USD 55.44
17 KG USD 3.36 USD 70.56
18 KG USD 3.22 USD 67.62
19 KG USD 3.10 USD 65.10
20 KG USD 2.99 USD 62.79
21 KG USD 2.89 USD 60.69
22 KG USD 2.80 USD 58.80
23 KG USD 3.02 USD 63.42
30 KG USD 2.52 USD 52.92
50 KG USD 1.95 USD 40.95
100 KG USD 1.39 USD 29.19
150 KG USD 1.27 USD 26.67
200 KG USD 1.18 USD 24.78
505 KG USD 0.90 USD 18.90
850 KG USD 0.95 USD 19.95
1700 KG USD 1.03 USD 21.63
2500 KG USD 1.02 USD 21.42
3400 KG USD 0.77 USD 16.17
View full route details →

DPD Sea Duty Paid

🚢 Sea Freight → UK
📅 Updated 2026-08-14 📊 19 weight tiers 💱 USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 21 KG
15 KG USD 3.03 USD 63.63
16 KG USD 2.92 USD 61.32
17 KG USD 3.63 USD 76.23
18 KG USD 3.50 USD 73.50
19 KG USD 3.37 USD 70.77
20 KG USD 3.27 USD 68.67
21 KG USD 3.17 USD 66.57
22 KG USD 3.08 USD 64.68
23 KG USD 3.30 USD 69.30
30 KG USD 2.80 USD 58.80
50 KG USD 2.22 USD 46.62
100 KG USD 1.67 USD 35.07
150 KG USD 1.55 USD 32.55
200 KG USD 1.46 USD 30.66
505 KG USD 1.18 USD 24.78
850 KG USD 1.23 USD 25.83
1700 KG USD 1.31 USD 27.51
2500 KG USD 1.29 USD 27.09
3400 KG USD 1.05 USD 22.05
View full route details →

Air Self-Tax/Deferred

✈️ Air Freight → UK
📅 Updated 2026-08-14 📊 19 weight tiers 💱 USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 21 KG
15 KG USD 9.56 USD 200.76
16 KG USD 9.45 USD 198.45
17 KG USD 10.16 USD 213.36
18 KG USD 10.02 USD 210.42
19 KG USD 9.90 USD 207.90
20 KG USD 9.79 USD 205.59
21 KG USD 9.69 USD 203.49
22 KG USD 9.60 USD 201.60
23 KG USD 9.82 USD 206.22
30 KG USD 9.33 USD 195.93
50 KG USD 8.27 USD 173.67
100 KG USD 7.71 USD 161.91
150 KG USD 7.46 USD 156.66
200 KG USD 7.36 USD 154.56
505 KG USD 7.08 USD 148.68
850 KG USD 7.13 USD 149.73
1700 KG USD 7.22 USD 151.62
2500 KG USD 7.20 USD 151.20
3400 KG USD 6.95 USD 145.95
View full route details →

Air Duty Paid – FBA

✈️ Air Freight → UK
📅 Updated 2026-08-14 📊 19 weight tiers 💱 USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 21 KG
15 KG USD 9.91 USD 208.11
16 KG USD 9.79 USD 205.59
17 KG USD 10.51 USD 220.71
18 KG USD 10.37 USD 217.77
19 KG USD 10.25 USD 215.25
20 KG USD 10.14 USD 212.94
21 KG USD 10.04 USD 210.84
22 KG USD 9.95 USD 208.95
23 KG USD 10.17 USD 213.57
30 KG USD 9.68 USD 203.28
50 KG USD 8.61 USD 180.81
100 KG USD 8.06 USD 169.26
150 KG USD 7.80 USD 163.80
200 KG USD 7.71 USD 161.91
505 KG USD 7.43 USD 156.03
850 KG USD 7.48 USD 157.08
1700 KG USD 7.56 USD 158.76
2500 KG USD 7.54 USD 158.34
3400 KG USD 7.30 USD 153.30
View full route details →

Air Duty Paid – Non-FBA

✈️ Air Freight → UK
📅 Updated 2026-08-14 📊 19 weight tiers 💱 USD pricing
Weight Rate (USD/KG) @ 21 KG
15 KG USD 9.98 USD 209.58
16 KG USD 9.86 USD 207.06
17 KG USD 10.58 USD 222.18
18 KG USD 10.44 USD 219.24
19 KG USD 10.32 USD 216.72
20 KG USD 10.21 USD 214.41
21 KG USD 10.11 USD 212.31
22 KG USD 10.02 USD 210.42
23 KG USD 10.24 USD 215.04
30 KG USD 9.75 USD 204.75
50 KG USD 8.68 USD 182.28
100 KG USD 8.13 USD 170.73
150 KG USD 7.87 USD 165.27
200 KG USD 7.78 USD 163.38
505 KG USD 7.50 USD 157.50
850 KG USD 7.55 USD 158.55
1700 KG USD 7.63 USD 160.23
2500 KG USD 7.61 USD 159.81
3400 KG USD 7.37 USD 154.77
View full route details →

✈️ Air Freight Options

Air Self-Tax/Deferred USD 9.7/KG →
Air Duty Paid – FBA USD 10.0/KG →
Air Duty Paid – Non-FBA USD 10.1/KG →

🚢 Sea Freight Options

DPD Sea Self-Tax/Deferred USD 1.4/KG →
DPD Sea Duty Paid USD 1.7/KG →
🔄 Calculate for a different weight:

Trade Terms Explained — Who Pays for What

The rate above is quoted on one specific trade term. Change the term and you change how much of the journey to United Kingdom is already inside the price. The table below maps the eleven common Incoterms® against the twelve cost stages of a door-to-door shipment, so you can see exactly where our responsibility ends and yours begins.

  • Seller — Cost and arrangement sit with the seller / shipper.
  • Buyer — Cost and arrangement sit with the buyer / consignee.
  • Negotiable — Not fixed by the rule — agree it in the contract.
Responsibility for each shipment stage under each Incoterms rule
Term 1 Loading on truck 2 Export customs declaration 3 Carriage to port of export 4 Unloading at port of export 5 Loading on vessel / aircraft 6 Main carriage 7 Cargo insurance 8 Unloading at port of import 9 Loading on truck at import 10 Carriage to destination 11 Import customs clearance 12 Import duties & taxes
EXW Ex Works Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck Buyer Buyer — Export customs declaration Buyer Buyer — Carriage to port of export Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FCA Free Carrier Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Buyer Buyer — Carriage to port of export Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FAS Free Alongside Ship Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Buyer Buyer — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
FOB Free On Board Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Buyer Buyer — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CFR Cost and Freight Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Buyer Buyer — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Seller Seller — Cargo insurance Buyer Buyer — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CPT Carriage Paid To Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Seller Seller — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DAT Delivered At Terminal (DPU) Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Buyer Buyer — Loading on truck at import Buyer Buyer — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DAP Delivered At Place Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Buyer Buyer — Import customs clearance Buyer Buyer — Import duties & taxes
DDP Delivered Duty Paid Seller Seller — Loading on truck Seller Seller — Export customs declaration Seller Seller — Carriage to port of export Seller Seller — Unloading at port of export Seller Seller — Loading on vessel / aircraft Seller Seller — Main carriage Negotiable Negotiable — Cargo insurance Seller Seller — Unloading at port of import Seller Seller — Loading on truck at import Seller Seller — Carriage to destination Seller Seller — Import customs clearance Seller Seller — Import duties & taxes

EXW Ex Works

Buyer takes over at the seller's door and carries every cost from there. Lowest quoted price, highest buyer workload.

FCA Free Carrier

Seller clears the goods for export and hands them to the carrier the buyer nominated.

FAS Free Alongside Ship

Sea and inland waterway only. Seller delivers alongside the vessel; loading is on the buyer.

FOB Free On Board

Sea and inland waterway only. Risk passes once the goods are on board. The most common buying term.

CFR Cost and Freight

Seller pays the main carriage but carries no insurance obligation; risk still passes on loading.

CIF Cost, Insurance and Freight

As CFR, plus the seller must buy and pay for cargo insurance (minimum cover unless you agree more).

CPT Carriage Paid To

Any mode. Seller pays carriage through to the named destination; insurance is not obligatory.

CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid

As CPT, plus the seller must insure the cargo through to the named destination.

DAT Delivered At Terminal (DPU)

Seller delivers unloaded at the named terminal. Renamed DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded) in Incoterms® 2020.

DAP Delivered At Place

Seller delivers to your address ready for unloading; import clearance and duty stay with the buyer.

DDP Delivered Duty Paid

Seller carries everything through to your door, duty and tax included. Highest quoted price, least buyer workload.

Two things worth flagging. Under CIF and CIP the seller is obliged to buy cargo insurance and pay the premium; under every other term insurance is optional, and we recommend buyers arrange their own cover so a loss or damage in transit is recoverable. And this table is a working summary for planning purposes — the binding definitions are the ones published by the International Chamber of Commerce in the Incoterms® rules, so confirm the exact term wording in your sales contract before you ship.

Price Trend — United Kingdom

Historical freight rates from China to United Kingdom for 21 KG shipments. Data sourced from live carrier price feeds.

China to United Kingdom — Shipping Reference Data

Reference figures that shape cost and transit on the China-United Kingdom route:

Main sea gateways Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway
Destination customs authority HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
De-minimis / duty-free threshold GBP 135 (VAT due below; collected at point of sale)
Import tax & duty regime Standard VAT 20%; duty 0–12% depending on commodity code
Local currency GBP
Typical port/airport dwell time 2–4 days
Peak / busy season Sep–Nov
Conformity & certification UKCA / CE marking for regulated electronics and toys
Main air gateways LHR (Heathrow), STN (Stansted), EMA (East Midlands)

Thresholds and duty bands are buyer-planning references, not formal customs rulings — confirm the exact HS-code rate for your goods before shipping.

E-Commerce Freight

E-Commerce Small Batch Shipping

The 21 KG range is typical for small e-commerce restock orders and initial trial shipments. Air freight is the standard choice here — it offers the best balance of cost and speed, and most DDP air channels accept shipments from 21 KG upward. This weight falls into the LCL (Less-than-Container-Load) air category.

  • Standard minimum for air freight DDP channels (most require 21 KG+)
  • Common for: phone cases, accessories, clothing, cosmetics
  • Amazon FBA replenishment orders at this weight use air for speed
  • Declare accurate HS codes to avoid customs delays in United Kingdom

🧰 Free 3D Loading Tools

Shipping to United Kingdom by air or sea? Plan cartons and container loading in 3D before requesting a quote.

📦

3D Carton Packing Calculator

Check how many units truly fit per carton for this United Kingdom shipment: the 3D packing tool computes layers, rotation, and protection gaps from your exact product size.

Open Packing Tool →
🚢

3D Container Loading Planner

Sea freight to United Kingdom prices by CBM or container — plan 20GP/40GP/40HQ loading in 3D, mix different box sizes, and check utilization before booking.

Open Container Planner →

Which Shipping Method is Best for 21 KG?

Recommended
✈️

Air Freight

Transit: 5–10 business days
Best at: Under 300 KG, time-sensitive cargo
Recommended
🚢

Sea Freight

Transit: 25–45 calendar days
Best at: Over 100 KG, non-urgent cargo
Not cost-effective
🚂

Rail Freight

Transit: 18–28 calendar days
Best at: Europe destinations over 50 KG
Europe only

Transit Times — China to United Kingdom

MethodTransit TimeNotes
Air Freight DDP5–10 business daysFrom China warehouse to United Kingdom door
Rail Freight DDP18–28 calendar daysTrain via Central Asia to United Kingdom
Express Courier3–7 business daysDHL/FedEx/UPS door-to-door, good option

What Affects the Shipping Cost to United Kingdom?

  • Actual vs. volumetric weight — carriers charge whichever is higher (L×W×H÷6000 for air)
  • Cargo type surcharge — batteries, liquids, and branded goods carry additional fees
  • Peak season surcharges — Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (Oct) add 15–30%
  • Destination area — United Kingdom may have remote area surcharges for certain postal codes
  • Declared value — customs duties are calculated on CIF value

Customs & Documentation for United Kingdom

  • De minimis threshold — shipments below local tax threshold may clear duty-free
  • Required documents: commercial invoice, packing list, and accurate HS codes
  • DDP service includes all import duties — you pay one total price with no surprises
  • Battery and liquid goods require additional certification documents
  • EU IOSS/VAT registration may be required for e-commerce shipments above EUR 150
  • CE certification required for electronic goods sold to EU consumers

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship from China to United Kingdom?

Current rates for shipping from China to United Kingdom start at USD 2.89/KG via DPD Sea Self-Tax/Deferred. For 21 KG, the estimated total is approximately USD 61, duty included. Final landed cost depends on the Standard VAT 20%; duty 0–12% depending on commodity code applied by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

What duties and taxes apply when importing into United Kingdom?

Imports into United Kingdom are assessed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The applicable regime is: Standard VAT 20%; duty 0–12% depending on commodity code. The duty-free / de-minimis position is GBP 135 (VAT due below; collected at point of sale). Under our DDP service these charges are pre-paid and included in the per-KG price, so there is nothing to settle on arrival.

How long does shipping from China to United Kingdom take?

Door-to-door transit to United Kingdom: air freight 5–10 business days, sea LCL 30–50 days, sea FCL 28–45 days, and rail 18–28 days. On arrival, allow roughly 2–4 days of clearance/dwell at the gateway. All times include customs clearance under DDP.

What is DDP shipping to United Kingdom and what does it include?

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) to United Kingdom means one all-inclusive price covering freight, the duty/tax due to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and last-mile delivery to your door. The GBP 135 (VAT due below; collected at point of sale) de-minimis position is handled for you, and there are no surprise charges at destination.

When is the busy season for shipping to United Kingdom?

Capacity to United Kingdom tightens around Sep–Nov, on top of the China-side surcharge windows of Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (early Oct). Booking 1–2 weeks earlier during these windows protects both space and rate.

What documents are required for customs clearance in United Kingdom?

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) typically requires: (1) commercial invoice with HS codes and declared value; (2) packing list with weights and dimensions; (3) bill of lading or air waybill; (4) certificate of origin (may lower duty); and (5) any product-specific certification (UKCA / CE marking for regulated electronics and toys). Under DDP we prepare and file these for you.

In what currency are rates to United Kingdom quoted and paid?

Freight to United Kingdom is quoted and invoiced in USD; the local currency on the destination side is GBP. Payment is typically due before departure (T/T or PayPal), and because it's DDP you settle the full landed cost once — no destination collect charges.

What is the minimum shipment size for shipping to United Kingdom?

Minimums to United Kingdom vary by channel: air DDP from about 21 KG (some from 12 KG), sea LCL from roughly 1 CBM, and express courier for single parcels. Below 21 KG, express is usually the most economical way into United Kingdom.

Shipping to United Kingdom by industry

Rates above are lane rates and apply to general cargo. Packing specification, HS classification and the clearance step that matters are all commodity-specific — these guides cover them industry by industry.

All 139 industry guides →

Customs clearance in Uk

Duty and tax position, certification, typical port dwell and what actually holds shipments at this border — plus who files the entry.

Uk clearance requirements →