China is one of the most active players in the United Kingdom’s e-commerce ecosystem. Brands selling through Amazon FBA, Shopify, and other online platforms are experiencing rapid growth. As soon as you supply goods or services to customers in the United Kingdom, VAT becomes part of your business operations.
In this guide, you’ll learn when a Chinese business needs a UK VAT number, how the registration process works and what to prepare before submitting your application. You’ll also understand why many Chinese companies prefer to work with VAT specialists like us, who understand HMRC requirements and help avoid mistakes that lead to delays instead of trying to manage compliance on their own.
Do Chinese Businesses Need to Register for UK VAT?
In many situations, the answer is yes. UK VAT obligations depend on your customers’ locations. A Chinese company can trigger VAT requirements even if all operations remain in China.
When VAT Registration Is Required
You will need a UK VAT number if your Chinese business:
- sells goods to customers in the United Kingdom
- stores inventory in UK warehouses, including Amazon FBA
- uses Shopify, Etsy, eBay, WooCommerce, or similar platforms for UK sales
- imports products from China into the United Kingdom
- provides digital services to UK consumers
- offers mobile apps, online courses, or SaaS subscriptions for UK users
When VAT Registration Is Not Required
VAT registration may not be required when your company:
- only supplies B2B services to VAT-registered companies in the UK
- has no goods stored in the United Kingdom and only sells B2B
- does not sell or ship anything into the United Kingdom
For most Chinese e-commerce sellers, particularly those on Amazon and Shopify, VAT registration becomes necessary once sales into the UK begin.
UK VAT Registration for Chinese E-commerce Sellers
E-commerce is the main reason Chinese companies apply for a UK VAT number. When you ship products from China to buyers in the United Kingdom, the transaction counts as a UK supply, so VAT registration is required.
Platforms Commonly Used by Chinese Sellers
This applies to sellers trading through:
- Amazon UK
- Shopify
- AliExpress or Alibaba
- Wish
- Etsy
- eBay
- TikTok Shop
Popular Search Queries
- “UK VAT for Chinese Amazon sellers”
- “Do Chinese Shopify sellers need UK VAT?”
- “UK VAT number for Chinese ecommerce stores”
Key VAT Rules for Chinese Sellers
- non-UK companies register from the first sale
- shipping from China does not remove VAT obligations
- Amazon may hold payouts until a VAT number is provided
- VAT must appear correctly on invoices and marketplace records
If goods are stored in the United Kingdom, whether in Amazon fulfilment centres or with a third-party logistics provider, VAT registration becomes required immediately.
Amazon UK VAT Requirements for Chinese Sellers
Amazon has stringent VAT compliance rules for sellers based outside the United Kingdom. If a VAT number is missing, Amazon will not hesitate to intervene.
Amazon May:
- hold your payouts
- remove your product listings
- suspend your selling account
Compliance Requirements
Chinese Amazon sellers must:
- register for UK VAT
- submit quarterly VAT returns
- declare UK warehouse storage
- maintain digital VAT records (MTD)
UK VAT for Chinese Exporters and Manufacturers
Some Chinese exporters believe VAT is not required because their businesses operate entirely overseas. However, once goods are supplied to customers in the United Kingdom, VAT applies regardless of the company’s location.
VAT Registration Is Required If You:
- ship products directly to UK consumers
- send goods through UK customs before final delivery
- store or distribute stock in a UK warehouse
- supply wholesale goods to UK retailers
Common Search Queries
- “UK VAT for Chinese exporters”
- “Import VAT versus UK VAT China”
- “Chinese manufacturer selling to UK VAT rules”
Once products enter the United Kingdom, import VAT and UK VAT registration may both be required.
UK VAT for Chinese Service Providers (SaaS, Digital, Consulting)
Chinese digital companies may be subject to VAT when services are delivered electronically to UK consumers.
VAT Registration Required For Businesses Offering:
- SaaS subscriptions
- digital courses or apps
- paid memberships
- streaming or downloadable content
- B2C consulting or coaching
When VAT May Not Be Required
- services are B2B
- the UK buyer is VAT-registered (reverse charge applies)
Popular Search Queries
- “Do Chinese SaaS companies need UK VAT?”
- “UK VAT for Chinese software businesses”
- “Digital services VAT China to UK”
How Chinese Companies Register for a UK VAT Number (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Create a Government Gateway Account
Foreign companies can set up an online account even without a physical UK presence.
Step 2: Submit VAT Registration Details
HMRC will request:
- the Chinese business licence (营业执照)
- passport/ID of the legal representative
- a short business activity description
- website or marketplace profiles
- estimated UK sales
- business contact details
Step 3: HMRC Reviews Your Application
Approval usually takes 1–4 weeks, depending on risk checks.
Step 4: Receive Your VAT Number
You can then:
- charge VAT
- submit quarterly VAT returns
Common Problems Chinese Sellers Face
Frequent issues include:
- missing or incomplete documents
- incorrect address formatting
- unclear business activity descriptions
- undeclared Amazon UK warehouse storage
- confusion between import VAT and sales VAT
- choosing an unsuitable VAT scheme
Our service eliminates these problems by preparing everything correctly from the beginning.
Why Chinese Companies Choose Us at vatnumberuk.com
We support Chinese businesses entering the UK market with full VAT compliance.
We Offer:
- fast UK VAT registration
- specialists in Chinese e-commerce and Amazon sellers
- no UK office required
- English and Mandarin support
- VAT returns and ongoing compliance
- fully HMRC-compliant documentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do Chinese companies need a UK VAT number?
Yes — especially for ecommerce and Amazon FBA sellers.
2. Do Chinese Amazon sellers need UK VAT?
Yes — Amazon may restrict payouts without a VAT number.
3. Can a Chinese company register without a UK address?
Yes — a UK address is not required.
4. How long does registration take?
Usually 1–4 weeks.
5. What documents are required?
Business licence, legal representative ID, activity description, store/web link.
6. Can a Chinese company reclaim VAT?
Yes — eligible VAT expenses can be reclaimed.
7. How often are VAT returns filed?
Quarterly under MTD rules.
Start Your UK VAT Registration Today
We assist Chinese companies with fast, accurate UK VAT registration. Our team supports Amazon sellers, Shopify stores, and exporters by managing the entire compliance process from registration to ongoing VAT filings.
