How to Ship 1688 Purchases to the UK? Complete Guide for Overseas Chinese

Want to buy items from 1688 in 🇬🇧 the UK but don't know how to ship them? Don't worry—this guide walks you through the entire process, from registration to delivery, making it easy even for beginners.

Preparation

You need to prepare the following:

  • 1688 account (supports mobile number registration)
  • Payment tools (Alipay / WeChat Pay / International credit card)
  • ImaginShip account (Register here）
  • Recipient's address in the UK

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Register for ImaginShip and Get Your Warehouse Address

在ImaginShipAfter registering an account on the official website, the system will assign you adedicated warehouse address. This address is the shipping address you will use on 1688.

Step 2: Place Orders on 1688

Shop on 1688 as usual. When placing an order, enter theImaginShip warehouse addressas the shipping address. Note:

  • Enter your ImaginShip member ID + real name as the recipient
  • Enter the warehouse phone number as the contact number
  • Refer to the specific formatNew User Guide

Step 3: Wait for Warehouse Receipt

Once the items arrive at the ImaginShip warehouse, the system will automatically send awarehouse receipt notification. You can check in your user center:

  • Package photos (free photo inspection)
  • Actual weight and volume
  • Warehousing Time

Step 4: Submit for Forwarding

After all packages you want to send have arrived:

  1. Select the packages to send
  2. Choose shipping method (Air 7-12 days / Sea 30-45 days)
  3. Enter the recipient's address in the UK
  4. Confirm and pay shipping fees

Step 5: Track and Receive

After submission, ImaginShip will: Pack → Customs Clear → Ship. A tracking number will be provided throughout the process, allowing you to check your package's location anytime. Upon arrival in the UK, the local courier will deliver it to your door.

Notes

  • Prohibited Items: Some items cannot be shipped internationally. Please checkProhibited Items List
  • Customs Duties: Exceeding the duty-free allowance (£135) may incur customs duties
  • Packaging: Fragile items are recommended to use reinforced packaging service
  • Insurance: Valuable items are recommended to purchase shipping insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for 1688 purchases to arrive in the UK?

Domestic shipping to the warehouse takes about 1-3 days, followed by 7-12 days by air or 30-45 days by sea to reach the UK.

What if I don't know how to use 1688?

ImaginShip offersa purchasing service: just send us the product link, and we'll place the order and ship it for you.

Where can I track my package?

Log in to the ImaginShip user center to view real-time logistics status of all packages.

Try it now!Register for ImaginShip, complete registration in 3 minutes and get your warehouse address instantly.

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