Importing from China
China accounts for most of the world's LED lighting manufacturing: spotlights, panels, strips, streetlights, indoor and outdoor luminaires. Sourcing it at origin is very cost-effective, but lighting has its quirks: it needs CE, RoHS and ErP marking (ecodesign and energy efficiency), sometimes an energy label, and its driver or power supply is the point that fails most. Here we explain how it ships, which taxes and certificates apply and the critical points so your lighting arrives ready to sell.
LED lighting is light but can take up volume (luminaires, panels, fittings), so cost is usually driven by volume (CBM). The usual route is sea freight: a full container (FCL) for large orders, or groupage (LCL) for smaller quantities, sharing a container. Strips and bulbs, being very compact, use the space efficiently.
Air freight is reserved for samples or urgent replenishments: for volume it does not pay off. Mind the shock-proof packaging: LEDs, diffusers and drivers are fragile and travel for weeks by sea. If the product contains a cell or battery (some solar or emergency luminaires), let us know, as it changes the shipping regime.
Luminaires and lighting fittings are classified under HS 9405 (lamps and their parts); LED bulbs and tubes fall under chapter 85 (8539). The import duty into the EU is usually low to moderate, but it depends on the exact heading: confirm it with your broker. Import VAT is recoverable if you import as a business with your EORI and the customs entry is in your name.
To sell in the EU, lighting requires CE marking (electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility), compliance with RoHS (restriction of substances) and the ErP ecodesign directive (energy efficiency and performance requirements). Many lamps also need an energy label and a product record in the EPREL database. These are not “customs papers”, but without them the product cannot be sold.
Lighting requires CE, RoHS compliance and the ErP ecodesign directive. Ask the manufacturer for the declaration of conformity and test reports; without ErP, the lamp may not be legal even if it lights up.
Many lamps carry an EU energy label and must be registered in the EPREL database. Confirm with the supplier the real energy class and that the label matches the product.
The driver or power supply is what fails most and sets the voltage: it must be for European 230 V / 50 Hz. A cheap driver shortens the LED’s life; require a quality component compatible with your mains.
There were anti-dumping duties on Chinese compact fluorescent lamps (now expired). Current LED products usually do not carry them, but as always the exact heading rules: confirm before you buy to avoid a surcharge.
To move lighting, the usual choice is sea freight (FCL or groupage). We also handle customs clearance and confirming the tariff heading. Any doubts? Tell us and we will advise.
Note: duties, thresholds and regulations (CE, RoHS, ErP, energy labelling, EPREL, anti-dumping) can change and depend on the exact luminaire type and the destination country. This guide describes the general situation as of writing; confirm it with your customs broker before deciding.
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