Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Aukey is a global consumer electronics brand, trusted for its innovative accessories, appliances, home products and furniture. With a strong presence in international markets, Aukey needed a logistics partner who could manage high-value, regulated shipments from China to the UK while ensuring full compliance and timely delivery.

Challenges

  • Regulatory Compliance: Importing electronics, batteries, and household appliances and furniture into the UK/EU required strict adherence to safety and quality standards, including CE marking, RoHS compliance, and lithium battery transport rules. Any missing certification or incorrect declaration could result in shipments being held at ports, fines, or forced re-exportation risks that would stall sales and damage brand credibility.

  • Safety in Transit: Aukey’s cargo included fragile items and products with lithium-ion batteries, both of which are high-risk during long sea voyages. Without reinforced packaging and correct handling protocols, the goods faced threats of moisture damage, breakage, or even hazardous incidents in transit. Previous shipments with other providers had faced minor damages, underlining the need for tighter protective measures.

  • Seasonal Deadlines: Key shipments were tied to Black Friday and Christmas campaigns, where missing even a few days would mean lost sales opportunities and disrupted retailer commitments. Aukey needed assurance that their cargo would clear customs without delay and arrive at UK warehouses ahead of schedule to meet promotional timelines.

Solution & Results

  • End-to-End Compliance Assurance – Mercium took ownership of every regulatory requirement, from product licensing and safety certifications to customs declarations. Documentation was verified before departure, ensuring that shipments met all UK/EU import standards. This proactive compliance management eliminated clearance delays and protected Aukey from costly disruptions.

  • Specialized Cargo Handling – Mercium implemented reinforced export packaging tailored to electronics and lithium-ion products, using moisture barriers, impact-resistant cartons, and controlled load planning. This ensured fragile appliances and battery-powered goods remained intact throughout the sea freight journey, arriving in the UK in sellable condition without loss.

  • On-Time Delivery – By optimizing sea freight scheduling and securing warehousing capacity in advance, Mercium ensured that shipments arrived ahead of seasonal deadlines. This reliability allowed Aukey to stock distributors and online channels on time, successfully launching their Black Friday and Christmas campaigns without disruption.

Conclusion

For a global brand like Aukey, supply chain reliability is non-negotiable. Mercium provided more than just freight forwarding, we delivered compliance assurance, operational efficiency, and on-time performance that safeguarded both revenue and reputation. By removing risks from complex electronics shipping, Aukey entered the UK market with confidence and consistency.

FAQ

Answers to your questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about our services

How do we support small businesses or first-time UK importers?

1. Step-by-Step Guidance: We walk new importers through the entire import process from EORI registration to final customs clearance along with Clear instructions are provided on commercial invoices, packing lists, and declaration requirements. 2. Documentation Assistance: We help ensure all documents are complete and accurate to prevent customs delays or rejections along with support with HS code classification, valuation, and origin declarations. 3. Use of Our Deferment Account: Small businesses that don’t yet have a deferment account can use ours to settle duties and VAT immediately, speeding up the clearance process. 4. Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges that is ideal for small businesses managing tight budgets. 5. Communication & Education: We explain customs procedures in plain language, and remain accessible via phone/email throughout the process 24/7. 6. Optional Turnkey Services: From port clearance to final delivery, we offer DDP/DAP support, letting small businesses focus on sales rather than logistics.

What makes our transport solution more cost-effective than competitors?

Our transport services are competitively priced thanks to: * Owned fleet and direct port access, reducing third-party handling costs * Integrated warehousing + delivery workflows that minimize transfer time and costs * Large pallet network partnerships, giving us national reach at competitive groupage rates * Real-time route optimization and tracking, cutting down on fuel use and delivery errors This hybrid model enables us to offer scalable, flexible, and affordable logistics tailored to each client’s needs.

How do we help importers delay VAT or duty through bonded storage?

We assist importers in using bonded storage to manage their cash flow more efficiently by deferring import VAT and customs duty payments. Here’s how: 1. While the goods are in the bonded facility, no VAT or duty is payable. 2. Importers only pay customs duties and VAT when the goods are removed from the warehouse and released for free circulation in the UK market. 3. If goods are re-exported directly from the bonded warehouse to another country, no UK VAT or duty is paid at all. 4. This is ideal for businesses that import into the UK only for storage or redistribution abroad. 5. By deferring VAT/duty, importers retain working capital that can be used for other business operations.

Are we supporting any ecommerce or Amazon sellers? How?

Yes, we actively support eCommerce and Amazon sellers, offering a comprehensive suite of warehousing and fulfillment services tailored to online retail operations. Here’s how we help them: * FBA Prep Services: We prepare inventory for Amazon fulfillment centers by providing labeling, bundling, polybagging, and compliance checks in line with Amazon’s strict FBA requirements. * FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) Support: For clients using Amazon FBM or other marketplaces (e.g., Shopify, eBay, Etsy), we pick, pack, and dispatch orders directly to end customers using integrated courier services. * Returns Handling: We process returns from end-customers, perform quality checks, and restock or dispose of goods based on seller instructions. * Storage of Imported Goods: Sellers can store goods duty-free in our bonded warehouse and move inventory gradually based on sales volume, reducing upfront tax liabilities. Our services allow eCommerce brands and Amazon sellers to scale efficiently, maintain compliance, and reduce operational overhead.

Do we offer short-term and long-term storage contracts? Explain?

Yes, we offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions, depending on our clients’ needs: * Short-term storage: Ideal for seasonal stock, promotional campaigns, or temporary overflows. Clients benefit from flexible, pay-as-you-go options with minimal commitment—perfect for fast-moving eCommerce or project-based storage. * Long-term storage: Tailored for bulk inventory, slow-moving goods, or bonded stock awaiting customs clearance or distribution over time. We offer favorable rates for extended stays, with options to combine storage with value-added services like pick & pack or relabeling. Our flexibility allows clients to scale up or down as needed, while only paying for the space and services they use. This agility makes us a strong partner for both growing startups and established brands.

FAQ

Answers to your questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about our services

How do we support small businesses or first-time UK importers?

1. Step-by-Step Guidance: We walk new importers through the entire import process from EORI registration to final customs clearance along with Clear instructions are provided on commercial invoices, packing lists, and declaration requirements. 2. Documentation Assistance: We help ensure all documents are complete and accurate to prevent customs delays or rejections along with support with HS code classification, valuation, and origin declarations. 3. Use of Our Deferment Account: Small businesses that don’t yet have a deferment account can use ours to settle duties and VAT immediately, speeding up the clearance process. 4. Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges that is ideal for small businesses managing tight budgets. 5. Communication & Education: We explain customs procedures in plain language, and remain accessible via phone/email throughout the process 24/7. 6. Optional Turnkey Services: From port clearance to final delivery, we offer DDP/DAP support, letting small businesses focus on sales rather than logistics.

What makes our transport solution more cost-effective than competitors?

Our transport services are competitively priced thanks to: * Owned fleet and direct port access, reducing third-party handling costs * Integrated warehousing + delivery workflows that minimize transfer time and costs * Large pallet network partnerships, giving us national reach at competitive groupage rates * Real-time route optimization and tracking, cutting down on fuel use and delivery errors This hybrid model enables us to offer scalable, flexible, and affordable logistics tailored to each client’s needs.

How do we help importers delay VAT or duty through bonded storage?

We assist importers in using bonded storage to manage their cash flow more efficiently by deferring import VAT and customs duty payments. Here’s how: 1. While the goods are in the bonded facility, no VAT or duty is payable. 2. Importers only pay customs duties and VAT when the goods are removed from the warehouse and released for free circulation in the UK market. 3. If goods are re-exported directly from the bonded warehouse to another country, no UK VAT or duty is paid at all. 4. This is ideal for businesses that import into the UK only for storage or redistribution abroad. 5. By deferring VAT/duty, importers retain working capital that can be used for other business operations.

Are we supporting any ecommerce or Amazon sellers? How?

Yes, we actively support eCommerce and Amazon sellers, offering a comprehensive suite of warehousing and fulfillment services tailored to online retail operations. Here’s how we help them: * FBA Prep Services: We prepare inventory for Amazon fulfillment centers by providing labeling, bundling, polybagging, and compliance checks in line with Amazon’s strict FBA requirements. * FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) Support: For clients using Amazon FBM or other marketplaces (e.g., Shopify, eBay, Etsy), we pick, pack, and dispatch orders directly to end customers using integrated courier services. * Returns Handling: We process returns from end-customers, perform quality checks, and restock or dispose of goods based on seller instructions. * Storage of Imported Goods: Sellers can store goods duty-free in our bonded warehouse and move inventory gradually based on sales volume, reducing upfront tax liabilities. Our services allow eCommerce brands and Amazon sellers to scale efficiently, maintain compliance, and reduce operational overhead.

Do we offer short-term and long-term storage contracts? Explain?

Yes, we offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions, depending on our clients’ needs: * Short-term storage: Ideal for seasonal stock, promotional campaigns, or temporary overflows. Clients benefit from flexible, pay-as-you-go options with minimal commitment—perfect for fast-moving eCommerce or project-based storage. * Long-term storage: Tailored for bulk inventory, slow-moving goods, or bonded stock awaiting customs clearance or distribution over time. We offer favorable rates for extended stays, with options to combine storage with value-added services like pick & pack or relabeling. Our flexibility allows clients to scale up or down as needed, while only paying for the space and services they use. This agility makes us a strong partner for both growing startups and established brands.

FAQ

Answers to your questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about our services

How do we support small businesses or first-time UK importers?

1. Step-by-Step Guidance: We walk new importers through the entire import process from EORI registration to final customs clearance along with Clear instructions are provided on commercial invoices, packing lists, and declaration requirements. 2. Documentation Assistance: We help ensure all documents are complete and accurate to prevent customs delays or rejections along with support with HS code classification, valuation, and origin declarations. 3. Use of Our Deferment Account: Small businesses that don’t yet have a deferment account can use ours to settle duties and VAT immediately, speeding up the clearance process. 4. Transparent Pricing: We offer clear, upfront quotes with no hidden charges that is ideal for small businesses managing tight budgets. 5. Communication & Education: We explain customs procedures in plain language, and remain accessible via phone/email throughout the process 24/7. 6. Optional Turnkey Services: From port clearance to final delivery, we offer DDP/DAP support, letting small businesses focus on sales rather than logistics.

What makes our transport solution more cost-effective than competitors?

Our transport services are competitively priced thanks to: * Owned fleet and direct port access, reducing third-party handling costs * Integrated warehousing + delivery workflows that minimize transfer time and costs * Large pallet network partnerships, giving us national reach at competitive groupage rates * Real-time route optimization and tracking, cutting down on fuel use and delivery errors This hybrid model enables us to offer scalable, flexible, and affordable logistics tailored to each client’s needs.

How do we help importers delay VAT or duty through bonded storage?

We assist importers in using bonded storage to manage their cash flow more efficiently by deferring import VAT and customs duty payments. Here’s how: 1. While the goods are in the bonded facility, no VAT or duty is payable. 2. Importers only pay customs duties and VAT when the goods are removed from the warehouse and released for free circulation in the UK market. 3. If goods are re-exported directly from the bonded warehouse to another country, no UK VAT or duty is paid at all. 4. This is ideal for businesses that import into the UK only for storage or redistribution abroad. 5. By deferring VAT/duty, importers retain working capital that can be used for other business operations.

Are we supporting any ecommerce or Amazon sellers? How?

Yes, we actively support eCommerce and Amazon sellers, offering a comprehensive suite of warehousing and fulfillment services tailored to online retail operations. Here’s how we help them: * FBA Prep Services: We prepare inventory for Amazon fulfillment centers by providing labeling, bundling, polybagging, and compliance checks in line with Amazon’s strict FBA requirements. * FBM (Fulfilled by Merchant) Support: For clients using Amazon FBM or other marketplaces (e.g., Shopify, eBay, Etsy), we pick, pack, and dispatch orders directly to end customers using integrated courier services. * Returns Handling: We process returns from end-customers, perform quality checks, and restock or dispose of goods based on seller instructions. * Storage of Imported Goods: Sellers can store goods duty-free in our bonded warehouse and move inventory gradually based on sales volume, reducing upfront tax liabilities. Our services allow eCommerce brands and Amazon sellers to scale efficiently, maintain compliance, and reduce operational overhead.

Do we offer short-term and long-term storage contracts? Explain?

Yes, we offer both short-term and long-term storage solutions, depending on our clients’ needs: * Short-term storage: Ideal for seasonal stock, promotional campaigns, or temporary overflows. Clients benefit from flexible, pay-as-you-go options with minimal commitment—perfect for fast-moving eCommerce or project-based storage. * Long-term storage: Tailored for bulk inventory, slow-moving goods, or bonded stock awaiting customs clearance or distribution over time. We offer favorable rates for extended stays, with options to combine storage with value-added services like pick & pack or relabeling. Our flexibility allows clients to scale up or down as needed, while only paying for the space and services they use. This agility makes us a strong partner for both growing startups and established brands.

Your journey begins in one click

Contact us today and get expert help designed around your needs

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Your journey begins in one click

Contact us today and get expert help designed around your needs

background-dots

Your journey begins in one click

Contact us today and get expert help designed around your needs

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