Sending mobile phones to China
Yes, you can send a mobile phone to China with Impact Express. As a dangerous goods certified courier we are able to ship phones, laptops and tablets that contain lithium batteries, with a fully tracked service that typically reaches China in 4 to 5 working days. Release of the goods is customs dependent, and an IMEI number plus customs paperwork are required.
What this service is for
This service is for anyone who needs to send a new or gifted mobile phone, laptop or tablet from the UK to China and wants it handled correctly under dangerous goods rules. Many couriers will not carry devices with lithium batteries. Impact Express is one of the few that can, so you avoid rejected parcels and unnecessary customs hold ups.
How it works
We offer a bookable online service for sending your goods to China. Once you book, we email you everything you need, including your labels. You package the phone, confirm the weight and dimensions, and attach the printed labels to the outer packaging on the most visible surface.
We then arrange a DHL certified courier collection, or you can drop the parcel at one of 1,200 DHL Service Points nationwide. Your shipment is fully trackable through our online portal from collection to delivery.
What you can send
- Mobile phones, new or gifted
- Laptops and tablets
- Devices containing lithium batteries, when packaged to our guidance
Customs requirements for China
China applies import controls on electronics. The following requirements apply:
- The battery must remain inside the phone it is intended to power
- The phone must be packaged as small and as safely as possible
- Customs duty and taxes are payable by the consignee on arrival
- A mobile IMEI number is required for the shipment
- Items valued under 500 US dollars are cleared by the consignee’s broker, which is a chargeable service
- Items valued above 500 US dollars can incur a delay and must be cleared by the consignee’s customs broker
- Non-document shipments sent outside the EU must include a customs invoice (Commercial or Pro Forma), which you complete on our booking screen
For step by step help with protecting your device in transit, see our mobile phone packaging guide.
How long does delivery to China take
Shipments to China typically take 4 to 5 working days, and occasionally longer. Transit time depends on customs clearance, and duties or taxes may be payable when the consignee collects the shipment.
Tracking your shipment
Every shipment is fully trackable through our online portal. Enter your airway bill number at any time to see where your parcel is on its journey.
Related services and other destinations
Learn more about our wider mobile phone services and our dangerous goods service for lithium battery shipments. You can also send mobile phones to India, the Philippines and Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to send a mobile phone to China?
The price depends on the weight and dimensions of your packaged phone and the delivery destination in China. You can see an exact price before you book by getting an instant quote at impactexpress.co.uk/get-a-quote or by calling our team on 01753 683700.
Can I drop my phone parcel off rather than wait for a collection?
Yes. You can either book a DHL certified courier collection or drop your parcel at one of 1,200 DHL Service Points nationwide. We email your labels so you can print and attach them before drop off.
Do I need an IMEI number to send a phone to China?
Yes. A mobile IMEI number is required for the shipment to China. You can find the IMEI in your phone settings or printed on the original manufacturer box.
What paperwork do I need to ship a phone to China?
Because China is outside the EU, a non-document shipment must include a Customs Invoice, either a Commercial or Pro Forma invoice, which you complete on our booking screen. You will also need the device IMEI number.
Who pays the import duty on a phone sent to China?
Customs duty and taxes are payable by the consignee, the person receiving the parcel, on arrival. Items under 500 US dollars are cleared by the consignee’s broker, while items above 500 US dollars must be cleared by the consignee’s customs broker and can take longer.
How can I track my phone on its way to China?
Every shipment is fully tracked. Enter your airway bill number in our online portal at any time to see the current status and location of your parcel.
Ready to send? Get an instant quote or call our team on 01753 683700.