China to UK shipping cost per kg in 2026: reference prices by weight
China-direct parcels to the United Kingdom are billed on actual weight: a freight rate per kilogram plus a per-parcel fee of about GBP 2.15. On the economy lane a 0.25 kg parcel costs about GBP 3.53, 1 kg about GBP 8 and 5 kg about GBP 34. Here are the reference prices by weight, what they leave out, and when the UK warehouse is cheaper.
How is China to UK shipping priced?
A China-direct parcel to the UK is billed in two parts: a freight rate per kilogram that steps up with the weight band, and a flat per-parcel registration fee. It uses actual weight with a 0.05 kg minimum; volumetric weight is not used. On the September 2026 lane card the general-goods economy lane is about GBP 5.54 per kilogram up to 0.3 kg, GBP 5.88 from 0.3 to 1 kg, GBP 6.10 from 1 to 2 kg, GBP 6.44 from 2 to 5 kg and GBP 6.67 from 5 to 15 kg, plus GBP 2.15 per parcel. Fuel is already included. Converted at the 7 October 2026 reference rate of 1 GBP = 8.85 RMB.
What does it cost by weight?
Reference prices for a general-goods parcel, fuel included. Economy is 6–10 working days and standard is 3–5 working days.
0.1 kg: economy GBP 2.70, standard GBP 3.04. 0.25 kg: economy GBP 3.53, standard GBP 4.04. 0.5 kg: economy GBP 5.08, standard GBP 5.88. 1 kg: economy GBP 8.02, standard GBP 9.38. 2 kg: economy GBP 14.35, standard GBP 16.84. 3 kg: economy GBP 21.47, standard GBP 25.08. 5 kg: economy GBP 34.35, standard GBP 40.23. 10 kg: economy GBP 68.81, standard GBP 114.24. 20 kg: economy GBP 142.26, standard GBP 239.66. General goods go up to 20 kg. Standard rises steeply above 5 kg (about GBP 11.19 per kilogram), so heavy parcels belong on economy or in the UK warehouse.
Apparel has its own economy lane, which is both cheaper and faster than general economy: 4–6 working days, GBP 3.50 at 0.25 kg, GBP 4.97 at 0.5 kg, GBP 7.80 at 1 kg, GBP 14.12 at 2 kg and GBP 33.22 at 5 kg, up to 20 kg.
When is the UK warehouse cheaper?
UK local fulfilment is priced per order and includes storage, putaway, dispatch, packaging and carriage; fuel, a volume over 0.04 m³, a signature, peak season and a failed delivery are extra. To a London postcode (SW1A), UK standard (1–3 working days) costs about GBP 3.78 at 0.25 and 0.5 kg, GBP 3.82 at 1 kg, GBP 3.90 at 2 kg and GBP 5.10 at 5 kg. UK express (1–2 working days) costs about GBP 4.74, GBP 4.79, GBP 4.85 and GBP 5.78.
At 0.25 kg the two are almost level (GBP 3.53 China direct against GBP 3.78 from UK stock). From 0.5 kg up the UK warehouse wins, and at 5 kg the gap is about GBP 29 per order. It also delivers in one to three days instead of six to ten, and it can receive returns. The stock has to be shipped to the UK and cleared first, so add that cost per unit before you compare.
What is not in these prices?
China warehouse handling (receiving, storage, pick and pack) is confirmed on the formal quote. VAT on goods sold directly to UK customers at £135 or under is collected from the seller under the current low-value VAT rule. The £135 customs-duty relief is still available, but on 13 July 2026 the UK government said it will be removed. Applicable VAT and duty are quoted separately from logistics.
What are the size and weight limits?
One piece per shipment, up to 20 kg on the general-goods and apparel economy lanes. Size limits for the UK lanes are confirmed on the formal quote, so send the packed dimensions of your largest parcel before the first shipment.
How do I get a price for my own parcel?
Use the calculator on the China to United Kingdom route page: enter the weight, dimensions, cargo type and a UK postcode to see China direct and the UK warehouse side by side. The figures are reference prices from the published cards; the formal quote takes precedence and adds warehouse handling.