Import / Export License ?!

Hi there check out http://www.hmce.gov.uk/business/importing/importing.htm which is the customs and excise site giving info on importing and exporting, VAT etc. It's not the most fun website to rake through but should provide the info you need. You can also phone or e-mail them if you have any question or need any info. Lastly, there are third party companies who can deal with the formalities for you although i'm bot sure how much this cost. Think there has been other posts previously regarding similar queries so it may be worth searching back in the forum. good luck, Stephen
------------------------
Stephen
http://www.urbandesignclothing.co.uk

Thanks very much for the link and info posted. Farbod

We import from China-generally licenses depend on what you are importing/ exporting. DTI are very helpful, a phone call usually clears everything up. As stated the Customs website is very informative, the only problem is it's not specific to everyones needs.(obviously can't be with so many different options). You can buy a binder with the tax codes or view them online TARIC. Sorry do not have the link to hand. For containerised import my suggestion is to use an agent, certainly to begin with, then as you become more experienced try the process yourself. Agents are generally pretty cheap- as little as 35GBP per code. Main costs are offloading, dock fees etc which you have to pay either way bonus being they know what they are doing! Just speaking or typing from experience so I stand to be corrected!
------------------------
Your Gateway to Asia - Global procurement services.
www.anglosino.co.uk

Thanks Anglo-Sino for the useful reply. I have another question from you if you don't mind, i am looking for reliable shipping firms that do business globally. I need raw material to be shipped from middle east to europe. The weight scale is ton and i was looking for cheap reliable firms that offer large scale shippings. Do you possibly know any? many thanks

www.orionshipping.com may be able to help you with this.I have not used them but if memory serves me correctly their website states that they have contacts in shipping globally. We tend to use whatever line the factory use as they have agents dealing with this side. If you don't need a full container (FCL) you can ship by LCL and share with others. Paid by the square metre. This keeps the cost down and I believe Orion may be able to assist with this depending where and when you ship. Last time I was quoted it was about 70USD per sq metre for LCL. Sorry I can't personally recommend anyone.
------------------------
Your Gateway to Asia - Global procurement services.
www.anglosino.co.uk

Sorry should be www.orionshipping.co.uk
------------------------
Your Gateway to Asia - Global procurement services.
www.anglosino.co.uk

Thats great Anglo-Sino. I will be doing a research on the local companies in the country of the origion as well, i might be able to get a good deal from them ?! considering exchange rates and the locality of their biz. many thanks.

Why not try the new DHL/Danzas partnership? They have global representation and have invested heavily in their Far East operations. They should be able to do something for you wherever it may be. I used them in the past and they were very helpful. Clem.

Hi Guys My name is RedScouse. I am from Liverpool. I haven't got the foggiest ieda about import to UK and export from the UK. I only want to trade with China. What things do I need to look out for?How do I make any money?I ama well educated professional but haven't got a clue about linking bits of knowledge together to get a viable business going. I think these weaknesses are why people don't start their own businesses. This is another of my mad hare brained schemes. Unless I get quick answers I know I won't do anything!
------------------------
Red

Well to make money from importing goods applies to anything else in business with regards to making a profit. "Sell something for more than you paid for it". The problem with importing is you've got to buy in large quantities and very often thats only for one product. That takes a lot of money and then you need some sort of infrastructure back in the UK to be able to sell it effectively. You've got shipping costs, import taxes and VAT to think of as well. As to what to look out for is the million dollar question! Technology is a good area but very competative and like with all hi-tech stuff the prices start high and fall year upon year (or should that be week upon week?!) The best thing is to do your homework and look for products that you think haven't yet taken off or you think will prove popular here. This could be nearly anything. I know a guy who started importing surgical synthetic gloves (like as used by dentists, doctors etc) and makes himself about 50k/year and thats just one product. Try looking on the net http://wyzen.com/exporters.htm Ive found the above link a pretty useful place. Regards Rob

Redscouse, You are going to have a pretty good idea of what you want to buy and sell from China to be able to make a business out of it. As far as I am concerned China is the best place to MANUFACTURE products. You can just buy and sell and make a margin, but you will have to get to know who you are dealing with and hope the quality is OK. Most people trading successfully with China have probably built a relationship up over a period of time in order to gain trust. China is a great place to make money but it is just as easy to find that a shipment of low quality products arrives, and then you'll struggle to sell them. Most people's problem with China is QUALITY, you need to know the products you bring in are good quality as there as many comnpanies in China making cheap copies and rip-offs as there are making good products. Research is the key, and because almost everything is made in China these days you should start researching straight away. Good luck though - it's a great place with loads of opportunities. Clem.