What you need to know about exporting brake pads from China to the United Kingdom

If you’re looking for quality aftermarket brake pads to sell to your customers in the UK online and in-store, you might be considering buying from China.

You wouldn’t be alone: China exports around US$87.03 billion of goods to the UK annually, with machinery and parts (including car parts) worth an eye-watering $17.58 billion.

One of the most obvious reasons why companies import brake pads from China into the UK is price. You can find affordable brake pads and rotors in China from experienced manufacturers such as Frontech, allowing you to offer good quality products to your end-users without breaking the bank. What’s more, China offers a wide range of car brake pads: from OEM brake pads to aftermarket pads; you’ll find everything you need – brake drums, discs, pads, and other quality parts. 

Below, we’ve put together some basics of importing brake pads from China into the UK to resell. Don’t hesitate to drop us a message if you have any questions. 

Get your paperwork in order

Perhaps the most important piece of information we can offer is to get the right paperwork in order before importing goods into the UK. Your business will need an EOIRI number, which stands for Economic Operators’ Registration and Identification System. You’ll need a registered UK office, a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), a business start date, a government gateway username ID, a VAT number and effective date of registration, and your National Insurance number if you’re a sole trader. Start by getting the basics in place; once you find the right goods, you can get the ball rolling without unnecessary delay. 

Find the right manufacturer

The next step is to find a brake pads manufacturer that you can depend on. The good news is that in China, there are a number of platforms that you can use to source suppliers, including Alibaba, but you should also consider trade shows and export fairs. There are even UK-based trade shows or you could work with a third-party sourcing organisation whose job it is to find the products you’re looking for at the right price. It’s also worth going directly to reliable and experienced manufacturers (like us at Frontech) to discuss your requirements. 

Understand codes and taxes

It’s worth speaking to a specialist about taxes and codes that you’ll need to follow when you’re importing goods into the UK. Taxes must be paid when you import products into the country, and you can use its trade tariff tool for information. You’ll need to pay customs duty and VAT on the brake pads you import. Your manufacturer should be able to assist with giving you all of the necessary information should they have other international customers. 

Ensure compliance

It’s important that the goods you import into the UK are safe for consumers to use, so speak to the manufacturer about any checkmarks they may issue with their products for peace of mind. At Frontech, for example, all of our products follow the same manufacturing process as OEM parts, meaning that they conform to the same strict standards, ensuring user safety. 

Focus on quality

Finally, it’s vital that you focus on quality when you’re importing goods into the UK. We recommend asking for some samples to be shipped to the UK before you place a bulk order so you can get a feel for the products. Not only do you want to offer the best quality products to give your customers what they need, but it’s important for following government legislation and maintaining a good brand image. If you’re known for offering great quality products at a fair price, you’ll quickly build a name for yourself and take your business to the next level.

Do you have any questions about working with Frontech? Get in touch today to find out more.