Importing from China
China makes a large share of the world’s home appliances, from white goods to small kitchen devices, and buying at source opens up attractive margins. But appliances have three quirks worth mastering before you order: they are bulky, they are subject to mandatory CE marking and the EU energy label, and cooling units (fridges, freezers, air conditioners) contain refrigerant gas, which is dangerous goods. Here is how they ship, which taxes and certificates apply and the critical points that keep your shipment surprise-free.
Appliances are bulky and their cost is usually driven by volume (CBM), so the natural route is sea freight: a full container (FCL) when your order fills or nearly fills a container, or groupage (LCL) for small quantities, sharing space with other importers. White goods (washing machines, ovens, fridges) almost always call for FCL because of their size.
Air freight only pays off for samples or urgent small devices that are high value and low volume; for white goods it is very expensive. Mind the packaging: units travel for weeks and take knocks and moisture. Note too that many appliances contain a battery or cell (remotes, internal clocks): if there is a loose lithium battery, dangerous-goods rules apply—confirm this with your supplier.
Appliances are classified under chapters 84 and 85 of the tariff (e.g. HS 8418 refrigerators, 8450 washing machines, 8415 air conditioning, 8516 small heating appliances). The duty on entry into the EU is usually low to moderate depending on the device; confirm the exact heading with your broker, as the rate varies. Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI and the customs declaration is in your name.
Certification is not optional: without it the appliance cannot be sold in the EU. CE marking (low-voltage and electromagnetic-compatibility directives) is mandatory, and many appliances must carry the EU energy label and meet ecodesign (ErP) minimum-consumption rules. Ask the supplier for the technical file and the EU declaration of conformity before shipping.
Most appliances (cooling, washing, ovens, air conditioners) must carry the EU energy label with their class (A–G) and be registered in the EPREL database. Without the right label the product cannot be sold; require a data sheet from your supplier that follows the European model, not a generic one.
Fridges, freezers and air conditioners contain refrigerant gas. Units pre-charged with gas count as dangerous goods in transport and, if the gas is an HFC (fluorinated / F-gas), they fall under the EU quota regime: you must check that the importer or the gas has quota available. Confirm this before buying.
CE marking is mandatory and many appliances must meet the Ecodesign (ErP) Regulation on minimum efficiency/consumption. A model that fails ErP cannot enter the market even if it reaches port; make sure the model is the European version, not one for another market.
Check the appliance is 230 V / 50 Hz with a European plug and a manual in the country’s language. Receiving another market’s version (110 V or a different plug) is a costly mistake you only spot when you open the box.
To move appliances, the usual route is sea freight (FCL or groupage) and we handle your customs clearance. If the unit carries refrigerant gas, see also dangerous goods. Tell us your case and we will advise you.
Note: duties, thresholds and rules (CE, energy label, ErP, fluorinated-gas quotas) can change and depend on the exact appliance and destination country. This guide describes the general situation at the time of writing; confirm it with your customs broker before deciding.
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