Value of small packages sent from China to UK more than doubles

Special data obtained by BBC shows is the value of small parcels sent from China to England under the exemption of more than twice the exemption of more than twice last year.

Chinese e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu are thought to be the driving force of this increase. England continues to rise.

The British government reviews the rules that mean imports of small packages of £ 135 or less.

However, British business owners and industrial groups say that they want faster action to protect high street retailers and to protect consumers from potentially incorrect goods.

According to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) figures obtained by BBC via the request for freedom of information, low valuable imports sent from China to England are approximately 3 billion £ 2024-25.

This was over twice the £ 1.3 billion recorded in the previous financial year.

The value of these deliveries from China made up 51% of all small parcels sent to England last year. This rose from 35% in 2023-24.

Sheffield -based souvenirs, director of wholesaler ancient wisdom, Kateina Buchy said that low -valuable imports could not compete with prices on sites such as Shein and Temu.

Mrs. Buchy, who has been working in the company since 2004, said, “This also affects our customers. They do not order from us because they know that their customers may be cheaper online.” He said.

“I think the government should not allow these companies to export such a high amount of products under these rules because it is just ridiculous.

He continued: “I want to know how much they have lost in taxes. We pay taxes. We employ more than 100 people.”

Temu and Shein have become popular among the UK consumers because they have sold affordable products, including clothes, household goods, electronics and toys in recent years.

It was founded in China, but currently in Singapore, Shein recorded the rising profit last year.

He tried to buy himself from New York and London stock exchanges, but he has not yet secured a list.

Both companies Questioned by MPs Earlier this year, it is on the working standards connected to the construction of products sold on platforms.

NBK retail retail analyst Natalie Berg said that the increase in the value of small parcels from China coincides with the expansion of companies such as Shein and Temu.

“In a very short time, niche went to retail power centers from new arrivals,” he said.

However, he warned that the abolition of tax exemption may be disproportionate to lower -income consumers and small companies that use it to import goods.

“This is a gap that needs to be worn, but the government should ultimately ensure that any change does not harm consumers or small businesses.”

Treasure Announced a review of low valuable imports in April Following the lobbying of great retailers, including Next and Sinsbury’s, he argued that exemption enabled overseas companies to upset them.

However, the British retail consortium (BRC) has now called on the ministers to take action.

BRC’s Food and Sustainability Director Andrew Opie said that low -valuable imports constitute a “important and growing threat” for investment in the high streets of England as retailers face unfair competition.

In addition, consumers added that they were exposed to “irregular, potentially insecure products” because they did not pass the same customs control process as other goods.

TEMU spokesman said the company aims to use the UK platform based on the country by the end of the year.

“This approach helps consumers to access affordable products, while the UK gives a low -cost channel to reach new customers and grow.” He said.

Shein spokesman, the company “optional” business model allows the customers to make savings, he said.

“Sellers need to comply with Shein’s behavior rules and strict safety standards.”

The US has already ended so -called “minimis” exemption On the import of low -cost goods from China, but the policy will now apply to the rest of the world on Friday.

The previous rule allowed $ 800 (£ 596 £) or less value to enter the country without paying any tariffs.

The European Union is also recently 2 € 2 € in small packages announced a fixed fee It enters € 150 (129 £) or less blocks.

While the value of small parcels from China increases, the picture is less open when it comes to the number of real products entering the country.

HMRC said that it has recorded the number of customs declarations for goods only £ 135 or less, and that more than one item could be included under a notification.

Approximately 281,000 customs declarations for low valuable imports sent from China in 2024-25 are approximately 12% of the collection.

A Treasury spokesman said Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ examination of low -valuable imports of customs treatment and will be published in “timely”.

“We are a pro -business government that will end without our action, permanently reduce rates for retailers next year, and keeping the company tax at the lowest level of the G7, maintaining and expanding the business rates to promote investment and growth, supporting the high streets of England.”

Additional reporting by Kris Bramwell.