Removals to China | Simpsons International Removals

The Move

China is a longer route, and one we plan carefully around your visa.

Whether you are moving for work or joining family, we ship household goods to China's major cities on a regular basis. Timing matters here more than most routes, since customs clearance is closely tied to your residence permit.

Sea freight suits a full household, and air freight covers anything you would rather have on arrival.

Popular destinations we ship to

ShanghaiBeijingGuangzhouShenzhenHangzhouChengdu

Typical Transit Times

Sole-use container6–8 weeks

Shared (groupage) container8–10 weeks

Air freight1–2 weeks

Times shown are to port. Chinese customs ties clearance closely to your visa and residence permit dates, so please tell us these as early as possible. We recommend booking 2 to 4 months ahead of your move date.

Your options

Choose the right way to ship

Every move to China is different, so we shape the service around yours.

Sea · Sole-use

Your own 20ft or 40ft container

Your belongings travel alone, packed and sealed at your door and not opened again until they reach you. The fastest and most secure sea option.

Best for: full household moves

Sea · Shared

Groupage / part-load container

Your goods share container space with other shipments on the same route, splitting the cost between several moves. Slightly longer transit, but excellent value.

Best for: smaller moves, flexible budgets

Air Freight

Fast-track for essentials

Air freight suits the things you need soon after you land, such as documents, clothing and everyday items. It arrives in a fraction of the time.

Best for: essentials & smaller shipments

Excess Baggage

A few boxes or suitcases

Not moving a whole household? Our excess baggage service is a simple, affordable way to send personal items and smaller consignments overseas.

Best for: light movers & students

Good to know

Chinese customs is closely tied to your visa, and timing matters

Household goods generally need to arrive within a set window of your work or residence visa being issued. We plan your shipping date around this from the outset, so nothing arrives too early or too late to clear smoothly.

Visa-linked timing

Your goods usually need to arrive within a set window of your visa being issued.

Printed materials & media

Books, film and other media may be inspected on arrival.

Electronics & new goods

New electronics and high value items can attract duty, so keep your receipts.

Inventory & valuation

A detailed, valued inventory keeps your customs clearance straightforward.

★★★★★

Our container reached Shanghai right when our visas were finalised, which made the whole move feel properly coordinated rather than stressful.

Illustrative example · UK to Shanghai, China

Placeholder testimonial. Swap for a real, permissioned customer review before publishing.

Moving you anywhere in the world

Door-to-door across the Continent

Everything your move needs

International Removals to China