UK ⇄ Asia · FCL sea freight · Imports & exports · 20–35 days
FCL container shipping between the UK and Asia.
Full container load sea freight between the UK and Asia, China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan and beyond. We're as active on UK imports from Asia as on exports, and we handle both directions ourselves.
Destinations we serve
Asian countries and ports
We move FCL containers between the UK and all major Asian trade lanes. Key destinations include:
- China: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen (Yantian), Tianjin, Guangzhou (Nansha)
- India: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata, Hazira
- Pakistan: Karachi (Qasim, KPT), Port Qasim
- Bangladesh: Chittagong
- Sri Lanka: Colombo
- Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City (Cai Mep), Hai Phong
- Malaysia: Port Klang, Penang
- Thailand: Laem Chabang
- Japan: Tokyo (Yokohama), Osaka, Nagoya
- South Korea: Busan
Export · Import · Bidirectional
UK ⇄ Asia: imports matter as much as exports
Bringing goods into the UK
Sourcing manufactured goods, textiles, electronics or components from China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or elsewhere in Asia? We act as your UK freight forwarder, coordinating Asian export customs, the FCL sailing, and UK import customs at Felixstowe or Southampton.
Shipping out of the UK
UK-manufactured goods, machinery, food and drink, or personal effects moving to Asian markets. We handle UK export declarations and manage import customs at the Asian destination port through our regional agent network.
Cross-trade shipments to and from Asia
Maya also arranges cross-trade FCL movements into and out of Asia where neither origin nor destination is the UK, for example, a container moving from Turkey to India managed through our Middle Eastern and South Asian agent networks. If you need cargo moved between two non-UK countries in this region, get in touch.
Felixstowe / Southampton ⇄ Asian ports
Ports and transit times
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection from anywhere in the UK.
Transit times: India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka 20–28 days. China (Shanghai/Ningbo) 28–35 days. Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand) 28–35 days. Japan/South Korea 30–38 days. Exact timings confirmed at quote stage.
TRANSIT · TYPICALLY 20–35 DAYS DEPENDING ON DESTINATION
UK and Asian customs procedures
Customs for UK–Asia shipments
Whether you're exporting from the UK or importing into it, customs documentation must be correct before the cargo ships. For UK exports to Asia: UK export declaration, commercial invoice, packing list and HS codes. For UK imports from Asia: Asian export customs at origin, then UK import declaration, commodity codes and duty assessment at Felixstowe or Southampton.
We arrange and manage customs at both ends through trusted partners, in the UK and at the Asian origin or destination port. Nothing is scrambled together at the last minute. See how our customs clearance works.
You deal with us throughout, not a chain of agents spread across multiple time zones.
Straight answers
UK–Asia shipping questions
Which Asian countries do you ship FCL containers to from the UK?
We ship full containers between the UK and all major Asian markets including China (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Tianjin), India (Nhava Sheva/Mumbai, Mundra, Chennai, Kolkata), Pakistan (Karachi, Port Qasim), Bangladesh (Chittagong), Sri Lanka (Colombo), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong), Malaysia (Port Klang), Thailand (Laem Chabang), Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama) and South Korea (Busan).
How long does sea freight from China or India to the UK take?
From China (Shanghai, Ningbo) to UK ports is typically 28–35 days. From India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra) around 22–28 days. From Pakistan (Karachi) 20–26 days. Exact schedules depend on the carrier and routing, we'll confirm timings with your quote.
Can you arrange a freight forwarder for importing from China to the UK?
Yes. We act as your UK freight forwarder for imports from China and across Asia. We coordinate with our Asian partners to manage Chinese export customs, book the FCL sailing, handle UK import customs at Felixstowe or Southampton and arrange delivery to your UK address, all under one roof.
Do you handle UK import customs for shipments from Asia?
Yes. UK import customs at Felixstowe or Southampton, including import declarations, commodity codes and duty calculation, are arranged and managed through our trusted customs partners. We advise on what's needed for your specific cargo and origin country before the shipment departs.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping between the UK and Asia?
Tell us your origin, destination and what you're sending, whether you're importing from Asia or exporting from the UK. We'll come back with a tailored FCL quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: Container shipping · Customs clearance · All routes