News for UK importers
What's moving in importing.
Shipping and freight rates, factories in China, trade fairs, UK import rules and the pound against the dollar. Short, sourced, and written for businesses bringing in full containers from China.
Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays close Chinese factories from 25 September
Mainland China's Mid-Autumn holiday runs from 25 to 27 September and the National Day Golden Week from 1 to 7 October. Sunday 20 September and Saturday 10 October are official make-up working days.
Sea-Intelligence warns of volatile Asia to North Europe schedules after Golden Week
Asia to North Europe capacity over the four-week Golden Week period is 27% higher than last year, with no blank sailings planned and 12 double sailings. Sea-Intelligence expects late cancellations later in October.
Consultation on mandatory registration for customs agents closes
HMRC's consultation on requiring customs intermediaries to register before submitting declarations closed on 21 September 2026. HMRC is analysing responses and no start date has been set.
Fixing a mistake on an import declaration
Errors on declarations happen. HMRC has separate routes for reporting underpaid duty and for claiming back overpayments, with a three-year limit for most repayment claims.
Pound down 1.0% against the dollar
£1 bought $1.3344 on 18 Sep, down from $1.3483 on 2 Sep. Dollar invoices now cost more in pounds.
Shanghai to Rotterdam rates drop 9% in a week as Suez capacity returns
Drewry's Shanghai to Rotterdam rate fell 9% to $3,626 per 40ft on 17 September. Drewry linked the slide to weak demand and services returning to the Suez Canal, which adds effective capacity.
Gemini moves AE5 Asia to North Europe service, which calls at London, to Suez
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are moving four more Gemini services from the Cape to the Suez Canal, including AE5, which links Qingdao and Ningbo with London and North Europe. The first westbound AE5 sailing leaves Asia on 21 September.
Paying in dollars: reference rates and your provider's margin
If you pay suppliers in US dollars, two exchange rates matter: the one your provider charges you, and the one used for customs value. Each needs watching for a different reason.
China's August exports rise 25% but growth to the EU slows to 6.6%
China's exports rose 25% year on year in August to about $401 billion, beating forecasts. Exports to the EU grew only 6.6%, while shipments to the US rose 34.4%.
Provisional anti-dumping duty of up to 53% on glass jars and bottles from China
From 9 September 2026, importers of glass containers from China must give a guarantee covering provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 53%, while the investigation continues.
Product safety: your duties when you import consumer goods
If you import goods for sale in Great Britain, you take on legal duties for their safety. That includes putting your details on the product and keeping records of your suppliers.
58th CIFF Shanghai runs from 5 to 8 September at Hongqiao
The September edition of the China International Furniture Fair takes place from 5 to 8 September 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai Hongqiao, with an enlarged design area and a new retail hall.
Pound down 1.3% against the dollar
£1 bought $1.3483 on 2 Sep, down from $1.3656 on 21 Aug. Dollar invoices now cost more in pounds.
China's factory surveys improve in August as raw material costs jump
The official PMI rose to 49.8 in August, with new orders back above 50, and the RatingDog PMI climbed to 51.5. Both surveys showed input costs rising, which the official data linked to oil and non-ferrous metals.
Maersk raises its EU emissions surcharge from Asia to North Europe for Q4
Maersk's emissions surcharge on Far East Asia to North Europe rises to $170 per 40ft dry container from 1 October, up from $155 in the third quarter, reflecting higher EU carbon allowance prices.
HMRC: import duty and VAT repayments only go to UK bank accounts
HMRC updated its repayment guidance on 1 September 2026 to confirm that overpaid import duty and VAT can only be repaid into a UK bank account.
Using a customs agent: what to agree and what stays with you
Most importers use an agent to make customs declarations. You still carry responsibility for what is declared, so set the terms in writing and check who you are appointing.
Shanghai waiting times jump as schedule reliability slides
Drewry reported ship waiting times at Shanghai rising to 96 hours from 35. Sea-Intelligence said global schedule reliability fell to 56.4% in July, with late ships arriving about six days behind schedule.
MSC brings some Asia to Europe sailings back through the Suez Canal
MSC is partially restoring Suez Canal transits on selected east-west services, including an eastbound sailing on its Asia to North Europe Albatros service, after reviewing Red Sea security.
Import records: what HMRC expects you to keep, and for how long
HMRC can ask to see import records years after the goods arrived. Keeping declarations, invoices, transport documents and VAT statements for at least six years covers every period HMRC sets.
You're not on your own. We chase it for you.
Portside chases your factory, forwarder and the port, and shows every container move through eight clear stages. If you're planning your first container, we're happy to talk it through.