How to Order Authentic Pu-erh Tea from Hong Kong to the UK and Canada

If you're new to ordering tea internationally, shipping pu-erh from Hong Kong to the UK or Canada is more straightforward than many people expect. Here's what to know before you order β€” and why Hong Kong remains one of the best places in the world to source properly aged pu-erh.

Why Hong Kong for pu-erh?

Hong Kong's climate and long trading history with Yunnan have made it one of the world's most respected centers for pu-erh storage and aging. At Kee Heung Chun, we've been sourcing, storing, and selling tea from our Hong Kong shop since 1938 β€” three generations of the same family maintaining the same standards. Many of our pu-erh cakes have been dry-stored in our own warehouse for decades, developing the depth and character that only patient, controlled aging can produce.

What to expect when ordering to the UK

Tea is generally treated favorably under UK import rules β€” black and fermented tea (which covers pu-erh) typically carries a 0% duty rate, so you're mainly looking at potential VAT rather than steep tariffs. Orders valued above Β£135 may have import VAT and duty applied on arrival, while smaller orders are generally simpler. If your order does fall above that threshold, this is handled at the UK border, not something you need to arrange in advance β€” just be aware it may apply.Β 

What to expect when ordering to Canada

Tea imports into Canada are similarly welcoming β€” tea generally carries zero customs duty, though standard 5% federal GST (plus provincial sales tax depending on your province) applies. All standard tea types, including pu-erh, oolong, and jasmine, are fully permitted for personal import with no special restrictions β€” so there's no concern about the tea itself being an issue at customs, just the standard taxes that apply to most imported goods.Β 

Tips for a smooth first order

  • Double-check your shipping address and any apartment/unit details β€” small errors are the most common cause of delays
  • If you're ordering one of our aged or rare pu-erh cakes, consider starting with a smaller size or our tasting portions (where available) before committing to a full cake, especially if you're new to long-aged pu-erh
  • Once your tea arrives, store it somewhere stable β€” away from direct sunlight, strong odors, and humidity swings β€” to preserve the character it developed during its years of aging with us

A note on delivery times

International shipping times vary depending on the season and courier, so we recommend ordering a little ahead of any gifting occasion. Feel free to reach out if you'd like an estimate for your specific location before ordering.