From China to the UK: A Smart Cross Trade Model for Ecoflo

Ecoflo Wastewater Management is an Australian company supplying recycling toilets and wastewater solutions, including units used in cabins and off-grid applications. As demand grew internationally, Ecoflo needed a smarter way to service overseas customers while keeping manufacturing cost-effective.

The Challenge

Ecoflo manufactures its product in China but sells into the UK market. Routing the cargo via Australia would have added unnecessary freight costs, transit time and handling risk.

However, there was an additional layer of complexity. Ecoflo needed to protect its supply chain. The UK receiver was not to see the Chinese manufacturer’s details on shipping documentation. That meant the shipment required careful structuring and document control — it could not be treated like a standard international movement.

On top of that, Ecoflo required ongoing fulfilment support once the containers arrived in the UK.

Our Solution

ICE structured the shipment as a true cross trade movement, creating a seamless three-country supply chain:

Australia (Ecoflo) → Manufacturing in China → Delivery into the UK.

Our team coordinated the process end-to-end, including:

• Managing full container shipments from China directly to the UK
• Structuring switch bills of lading so Ecoflo Australia appeared as the shipper
• Ensuring the Chinese supplier details were not visible to the UK receiver
• Coordinating customs processes at origin and destination
• Arranging UK-based 3PL services through our trusted agent network

Beyond freight, ICE also supports Ecoflo’s UK operations with container unpacking, storage, and order pick-and-pack services. This allows Ecoflo to distribute units efficiently to end customers across the UK without managing local warehousing directly.

All documentation is coordinated from Australia, giving Ecoflo a single point of contact while maintaining complete control over their commercial structure.

The Result

What started as a freight solution has become a long-term supply chain model that’s been running reliably for over a decade.

Ecoflo now runs a smart, streamlined cross trade model that simply works. Manufacturing stays cost-effective in China, containers move straight into the UK, supplier details stay protected, documentation is tightly controlled, and UK fulfilment is built into the flow.

For Australian businesses buying in one country and selling into another, cross trade can reduce cost, cut transit time and simplify global expansion — but only if it’s structured properly.

If that’s your model, ICE can design and manage a cross trade shipping solution completely tailored to your requirements. Speak to our experienced team today on 1300 227 461.