Guides
Sourcing chess sets from ChinaSpecify chess pieces, boards, materials and packaging before ordering from China, with UK duty, toy rules and practical inspection checks.
Sourcing check valves from ChinaUK duty and sourcing checks for check valves from China: specify opening pressure, seat leakage, connections and evidence for the intended use.
Sourcing carbon monoxide alarms from ChinaCheck UK duty, sensor performance, battery warnings and importer labels before buying carbon monoxide alarms from Chinese factories.
Sourcing carbide end mills from ChinaImport carbide end mills from China: UK duty, carbide grade, flute geometry, coating, runout checks and batch cutting tests for business buyers.
Sourcing burglar alarm systems from ChinaUK duty and compliance checks for burglar alarm systems from China, covering wireless sensors, connected hubs, backup power and inspection.
Sourcing bucket elevators from ChinaUK duty and machinery safety for bucket elevators from China, with checks for buckets, drives, material trials and matching documentation.
Sourcing belt conveyors from ChinaCheck UK duty, belt specifications, guarding and machinery documents before buying belt conveyors from Chinese factories for your business.
Sourcing buckwheat and millet from ChinaUK sourcing guide to Chinese buckwheat, millet and canary seed: weight-based duties, organic import controls and checks for grain quality.
Sourcing brassicas from ChinaUK duty and buying checks for fresh Chinese cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower, covering organic certificates, residues and chilled transport.
Sourcing bran and milling residues from ChinaUK duty and import controls for Chinese bran and milling residues, with specifications, sampling checks and rice bran documentation questions.
Sourcing bones and horn-cores from ChinaUK duty and import checks for bones, ossein and horn-cores from China, with species, treatment, factory approval and inspection points.
Sourcing bituminous mixtures from ChinaUK duty and buying checks for bituminous mastics and cut-backs from China, covering formulation, waste controls, packaging and batch inspection.
Sourcing bile and glands from ChinaUK sourcing guide to bile, glands and related animal materials from China: duty, veterinary controls, species identification and batch checks.
Sourcing barley from ChinaBuying barley from China for UK business use: weight-based import duty, organic documents, malting specifications and checks on arrival.
Sourcing bar stools from ChinaUK duty and safety checks for bar stools from China, covering frame materials, upholstery, seat height, swivel mechanisms and packing.
Sourcing bananas and plantains from ChinaUK duty and import checks for bananas and plantains from China, covering fresh and dried fruit, organic paperwork and arrival inspection.
Sourcing backpacks from ChinaCheck UK duty, outer-surface materials, shoulder straps, zips and animal-material controls before ordering backpacks from Chinese factories.
Sourcing audio amplifiers from ChinaUK sourcing guide for audio amplifiers from China: zero import duty, electrical compliance, output specifications and production inspection.
Sourcing arcade machines from ChinaSource arcade machines from China with clear cabinet, payment and software specifications, UK duty checks and practical inspection steps.
Sourcing aquatic invertebrates from ChinaUK sourcing guide to sea cucumbers, sea urchins and jellyfish from China, covering duty, import approval, specifications and arrival checks.
Sourcing apples, pears and quinces from ChinaUK duties and import controls for fresh Chinese apples, pears and quinces, with buying specifications, arrival checks and common faults.
Sourcing antimony and other ores from ChinaUK duty and waste controls for antimony and other ores from China, with practical checks on mineral identity, assay, moisture and packing.
Sourcing animal fat fractions from ChinaUK duty and import checks for lard stearin, oleostearin and tallow oil from China, covering intended use, batch testing and factory documents.
Sourcing kitchen cabinets from ChinaSpecify cabinets that fit UK kitchens: named Chinese factories, installation checks, timber duties, safety testing and a worked import-tax example.
Sourcing aluminium stepladders from ChinaBuy aluminium stepladders for UK use: EN 131 Professional versus domestic models, Yongkang and Wuyi sourcing, inspection, duty and VAT.
Sourcing alloy steel wire rod from ChinaUK duty and anti-dumping on alloy steel wire rod from China, with checks for chemistry, coil dimensions, surface defects and mill records.
Sourcing alloy steel sheet from ChinaUK duty and trade remedies for alloy steel sheet and coil from China, with checks for mill chemistry, coating, dimensions and input origin.
Sourcing aldehyde derivatives from ChinaBuying nitro- and halobenzaldehydes for UK use: Chinese production locations, batch acceptance, water testing, tariff codes and chemical duties.
Sourcing albumins from ChinaUK buying guide to egg albumin, milk albumin and derivatives from China: duty, veterinary controls, import restrictions and batch checks.
Sourcing Forklift Trucks from ChinaCompare electric, diesel and LPG forklifts from China: UK duty, battery and charger checks, factory verification, inspection and payment terms.
Narrow coated steel strip from ChinaGalvanised, tinned, painted and clad steel strip under 600 mm wide from China: 50% steel duty outside quota, and anti-dumping up to 49.98% by line.
Sourcing electric forklifts from ChinaUK duty and sourcing checks for electric forklifts from China, covering mast capacity, battery and charger matching, documents and inspection.
Alloy and electrical steel strip from ChinaSpecify magnetic performance or heat-treatment condition, trace the original coil, inspect slit edges and calculate UK duty and VAT.
Commercial ice makers and ice machines from ChinaCommercial ice machines from China for cafés, bars and restaurants: 0% UK duty, the F-gas refrigerant checks, food contact, water fittings, and the deposit.
Pizza ovens from China: gas, wood and electricGas, wood-fired and electric pizza ovens from China: 0% or 2% UK duty, gas certification for the exact model, food-contact stones and a fired sample.
Sourcing bismuth from ChinaBismuth ingots, needles, powder and articles from China pay 0% UK duty. Purity, lead and silver limits, form and packing checks.
Sourcing biodiesel from China: anti-dumping dutyBiodiesel and FAME from China pay 6.5% UK duty plus anti-dumping duty, 54.64% for most exporters. Named exporter rates, SAF exclusion and specification.
Sourcing bamboo and recycled pulp from ChinaBamboo pulp, recovered-paper pulp, cotton linters pulp and other non-wood pulps from China pay 0% UK duty. Fibre source, brightness and bale checks.
Sourcing azo initiators and azo compounds from ChinaAzo initiators such as AIBN and other azo compounds from China pay 0% UK duty. Self-reactive dangerous goods, temperature control and CLP.
Sourcing antimony ingots from ChinaAntimony ingots, powder and articles from China pay 0% UK duty. Purity grade, arsenic and lead limits, CLP labels and supply checks.
Sourcing ammonia and ammonia solution from ChinaAnhydrous ammonia and ammonia solution from China pay 4% UK duty, with a suspension for anhydrous ammonia, and are in scope of UK CBAM.
Sourcing aluminium tanks and vats from ChinaAluminium tanks, vats and reservoirs over 300 litres from China pay 6% UK duty and are in scope of UK CBAM. Welding, alloy and food contact.
Sourcing aluminium scrap from ChinaBuy aluminium scrap by recoverable metal yield, not gross weight. Check waste status, alloy segregation, moisture and UK import documents before loading.
Sourcing aluminium ingots and billets from ChinaUnwrought aluminium from China pays 2% or 6% UK duty, with suspensions for ingots and billets, and is in scope of UK CBAM from 2027.
Sourcing acetals from ChinaAcetals such as methylal and aroma acetals from China pay 0% UK duty. UK REACH, GB CLP flammability labels, purity and drum packing.
Importing collectable stamps and covers from ChinaUsed and collectable postage stamps, first-day covers and postal stationery from China pay 0% UK duty. Import VAT on collectors' pieces and authenticity.
Importing antiques from China to the UKAntiques over 100 years old from China pay 0% UK duty, and import VAT is charged on 25% of the value, an effective 5%. CITES, ivory and provenance.
Asbestos products from China: the UK banAsbestos fibres, mixtures and articles have UK tariff lines, but placing them on the GB market is prohibited. How asbestos gets into imports and how to test.
Sourcing sewing thread from ChinaSewing thread from China pays 4% UK duty if made of synthetic or artificial filament and 0% if spun from staple fibre or cotton. Ticket, tex and colour checks.
Solar panels from ChinaSolar panels, PV cells and panels with built-in inverters from China pay 0% UK duty. Electrical safety, WEEE, MCS for the Smart Export Guarantee, and checks.
Lithium batteries and battery packs from ChinaLithium-ion cells, battery packs and home storage batteries from China pay 2% UK duty. Battery marking, producer registration, dangerous goods shipping.
Custom plastic parts and articles from ChinaCustom plastic parts, clips, housings and articles from China: 6% UK duty under heading 3926, and why parts made for a machine are often classed elsewhere.
Electric heaters and water heaters from ChinaPanel, fan, oil-filled and storage heaters, electric water heaters and heating elements from China pay 2% UK duty. Ecodesign, labels and safety checks.
Medical instruments and devices from ChinaSyringes, catheters, dental and surgical instruments, monitors and ECGs from China pay 0% UK duty. The UK Responsible Person, MHRA registration and checks.
Commercial fridges and display freezers from ChinaDisplay fridges, bottle coolers, chest and upright freezers and chillers from China pay 0% UK duty. The HFC ban, energy labels, F-gas declarations and checks.
Steel structures and fabrications from ChinaSteel frames, platforms, towers, scaffolding and insulated panels from China pay 0% UK duty with no steel measure, but fall in UK CBAM from 2027.
Water filters and air purifiers from ChinaWater filters, reverse osmosis units, air purifiers and industrial filters from China pay 0% UK duty. Water fittings rules, safety and performance claims.
Control panels and distribution boards from ChinaControl panels, distribution boards, consumer units and PLCs from China pay 2% UK duty. Safety and EMC rules, F-gas declarations and panel checks.
Circuit breakers, switches and connectors from ChinaCircuit breakers, fuses, relays, switches, sockets and connectors from China: 0% or 2% UK duty, the plug and socket rules, and the checks against counterfeits.
Power supplies, transformers and inverters from ChinaTransformers, power supplies, chargers and inverters from China pay 0% UK duty. The safety, EMC and efficiency rules, and the tests to run before you pay.
Electrical cable and wire harnesses from ChinaCable, cable assemblies and custom wire harnesses from China: 0% or 2% UK duty, no anti-dumping duty, the safety rules, and the checks that catch fake copper.
Private-label Tyvek and coated-fabric bags from ChinaOwn-brand Tyvek and coated technical-fabric bags from China: proving the material is genuine, golden samples, checking the named factory, and 2% or 8% duty.
Sourcing air compressors from ChinaAir compressors from China pay 2% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Classification, machinery and pressure vessel rules, noise marking and inspection.
Buying furniture from China for a shop in IrelandIreland revoked its furniture fire-label order in July 2026. What an Irish shop importing Chinese furniture now owes under EU product safety law.
Sourcing microbiological culture media from ChinaDehydrated and prepared culture media from China pay 0% UK duty. When media are IVD devices, animal-derived ingredients, lot testing and shelf life.
Sourcing matches and branded matchboxes from ChinaMatches from China pay 0% UK duty. Safety matches are UN 1944 dangerous goods, so shipping, printed boxes and striker checks decide the order.
Sourcing hessian and jute fabric from ChinaHessian and other jute fabric from China pay 0% UK duty on all four lines of heading 5310. Weight per square metre, batching oil, labels and roll checks.
Sourcing ceramic decals and transfers from ChinaCeramic and glass decals and waterslide transfers from China pay 0% UK duty. Firing, lead and cadmium limits for decorated mugs, and colour checks.
Sourcing brake fluid from ChinaBrake fluid from China pays 0% UK duty. DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5 and 5.1 grades, ISO 4925 classes, moisture, sealing and labelling for own-label fluid.
Sourcing barbed wire from ChinaGalvanised barbed wire from China pays 0% UK duty on 7313 00 00 00, with no steel measure from October 2026. Zinc coating, gauge, barbs and reel checks.
Sourcing barbecue charcoal and briquettes from ChinaLumpwood, briquette, bamboo and coconut shell charcoal from China pay 0% UK duty. The UN 1361 self-heating question, timber rules and bag checks.
Sourcing apple juice concentrate from ChinaCompare Chinese apple concentrate by reconstitution, patulin and spoilage tests, with named processing locations and a worked UK duty calculation.
Sourcing fresh mushrooms and enoki from ChinaFresh mushrooms from China pay 2% to 12% UK duty by species. Enoki face Listeria certificates and border checks under Regulation 2019/1793.
Sourcing raw peanuts and groundnuts from ChinaRaw peanuts from China pay 0% UK duty but face CHED-D border checks for aflatoxins under Regulation 2019/1793. VAT, testing and grading explained.
Sourcing branded and embroidered workwear from ChinaBranded workwear from China pays 12% UK duty; scrubs can enter at 0%. Embroidery, hi-vis as PPE, fibre labels and size checks for uniform orders.
Sourcing cement from ChinaCement and clinker from China pay 0% UK duty, but fall in scope of UK CBAM from 1 January 2027. Standards, performance and bag checks.
Sourcing hoodies and sweatshirts from ChinaCotton and polyester hoodies and sweatshirts from China pay 12% UK duty under 6110. Fibre labels, children's cords, fabric weight and per-colour minimums.
How much to import a CNC router from China?A CNC router from China pays 2% UK duty plus 20% VAT. Crate size, UK delivery and who holds the conformity paperwork set the real cost. Worked example.
Star anise, cumin and fennel seeds from ChinaStar anise, cumin, coriander, fennel and caraway seeds and juniper berries from China pay 0% UK duty. Adulteration, moisture and cleanliness checks.
Calcium hypochlorite pool chlorine from ChinaCalcium hypochlorite granules and tablets for pools and other hypochlorites from China pay 0% or 4% UK duty. The suspension and biocide rules explained.
Rice vinegar and black vinegar from ChinaChinese rice vinegar and black vinegar pay a specific UK duty per hectolitre, set by container size. Rates, labelling and bottle checks explained.
Sourcing refined lead ingots from ChinaRefined lead, lead alloys and bullion lead ingots from China pay 0% UK duty. Purity, antimony and calcium alloys, and lead handling rules explained.
Sourcing stainless steel wire rod from ChinaStainless steel wire rod from China is inside the UK steel measure: 0% in quota, 50% outside it from 1 October 2026. Grade and coil checks explained.
Sourcing petroleum coke and bitumen from ChinaGreen and calcined petroleum coke and petroleum bitumen from China pay 0% UK duty. Sulphur, ash, density and moisture checks explained.
Signal glass and lamp lenses from ChinaGlass signal lenses, lamp covers and unworked optical glass elements from China pay 0% UK duty. Colour, transmission and impact checks explained.
Steel shot, grit and iron powder from ChinaSteel shot and grit for blasting, and iron and alloy steel powders from China pay 0% UK duty. Size grading, hardness and purity checks explained.
Polyester-cotton twill and canvas from ChinaPolyester-cotton woven fabrics over 170 g/m², such as workwear twill and canvas, from China pay 8% UK duty. Blend, weight and azo checks explained.
Sourcing mica and mica powder from ChinaCrude and split mica, mica powder and mica waste from China pay 0% UK duty. Grade, particle size, supply chain due diligence and dust checks explained.
Sourcing bitumen roofing membranes from ChinaBitumen roofing membranes, felts and waterproofing rolls from China pay 0% UK duty. Declaration of performance, UK marking and roll checks explained.
Sourcing polycotton woven fabrics from ChinaLight polycotton woven fabrics under 85% cotton, up to 200 g/m², from China pay 0% UK duty. Blend, shrinkage and azo dye checks explained.
Sourcing electron microscopes from ChinaScanning and transmission electron microscopes and their parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Radiation notification, installation and service explained.
Sourcing copper powder and flakes from ChinaElectrolytic, atomised and flake copper powders from China pay 0% UK duty. Particle size, oxygen content, REACH and dust handling explained.
Aluminium wire and conductors from ChinaAluminium and alloy wire, copper-clad aluminium wire and bare stranded aluminium conductors from China pay 0% UK duty. Conductor, CCA and drum checks explained.
Sourcing acoustic pianos from ChinaNew and used upright pianos, grand pianos and harpsichords from China pay 0% UK duty. Ivory, CITES timber, climate packing and pre-delivery checks explained.
Sourcing barytes and barite powder from ChinaNatural barytes (barite) lump and powder and witherite from China pay 0% UK duty. Drilling-grade density, fineness and whiteness checks explained.
Sourcing gum rosin and ester gums from ChinaGum rosin, resin acids, rosin salts, ester gums and rosin oils from China pay 0% UK duty. Grade, softening point, acid value and sensitiser labelling explained.
Sourcing magnesium hydroxide from ChinaMagnesium hydroxide and barium and strontium hydroxides from China pay 0% UK duty. Flame retardant grades, REACH and purity checks explained.
Diamond powder and gemstone dust from ChinaSynthetic and natural diamond powder, micron powder and other precious stone dust from China pay 0% UK duty. Grit size, strength and purity checks explained.
Lab-grown and synthetic gemstones from ChinaLab-grown diamonds, cubic zirconia, synthetic sapphire and moissanite from China pay 0% UK duty. Grading, disclosure and rough diamond rules explained.
Amino, phenolic and PU resins from ChinaUrea, melamine and phenolic resins, polymeric MDI and polyurethanes from China pay 0% to 6% UK duty. The MDI suspension, formaldehyde and REACH explained.
Glucose, maltodextrin and sugars from ChinaGlucose syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, lactose and fructose from China pay specific UK duties per 100 kg. Rates, the agave suspension and grade checks.
Sourcing refrigerant gas blends from ChinaR410A, R407C, R404A, R448A and other refrigerant blends from China pay 6% UK duty. HFC quota, refillable cylinders, the refill ban and ozone rules explained.
Sourcing preserved moss and foliage from ChinaPreserved moss, dried grasses, foliage and branches for decoration from China pay 0% UK duty. Plant health, colour fastness and moisture checks explained.
Sourcing caffeine and alkaloids from ChinaCaffeine, quinine salts, nicotine and other alkaloids from China pay 0% UK duty. Caffeine labelling, precursor and controlled drug licences explained.
Sourcing bottled water and ice from ChinaMineral, spring and drinking water and ice from China pay 0% UK duty. Mineral water recognition, labelling, VAT and plastic packaging tax explained.
Sourcing metallic thread fabrics from ChinaWoven fabrics of metal thread and metallised yarn from China, for apparel and furnishing, pay 0% UK duty. Fibre labelling and tarnish checks explained.
Sourcing borax and borates from ChinaBorax, zinc borate, sodium perborate and other borates from China pay 0% UK duty. Hazard labelling, toy boron limits and assay checks explained.
Sourcing talc and steatite from ChinaTalc powder and steatite blocks from China pay 0% UK duty. Asbestos testing, the cosmetic talc warning, whiteness and particle size explained.
Xylose, trehalose and pure sugars from ChinaD-xylose, trehalose, rhamnose, mannose and other chemically pure sugars from China pay 6% UK duty, with xylose and trehalose suspended to 0%.
Garnet, pumice and other abrasives from ChinaGarnet sand for waterjet and blasting, emery, natural corundum and pumice stone from China pay 0% UK duty. Grading, dust and contamination checks.
Sourcing natural graphite from ChinaNatural flake and amorphous graphite in powder, flakes or lumps from China pays 0% UK duty. Carbon content, flake size and impurity checks explained.
Large-diameter welded steel pipe from ChinaWelded line pipe, casing and other steel pipe over 406.4 mm from China are under the UK steel measure: 0% within the quota and 50% once it is used up.
Sourcing fluorides and cryolite from ChinaAluminium fluoride, sodium fluoride, synthetic cryolite, lithium hexafluorophosphate and other fluorine salts from China pay 0% UK duty. Purity checks.
Sourcing linen fabric from ChinaPure linen and linen-blend woven fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Flax content, shrinkage, slubs and fibre labelling checks for apparel and homeware.
Sourcing soya-bean oil from ChinaCrude and refined soya-bean oil from China pays 6% or 8% UK duty for food use and 2% or 4% for technical uses, with crude technical oil suspended to 0%.
Beeswax and vegetable waxes from ChinaRaw and refined beeswax, insect waxes and vegetable waxes from China pay 0% UK duty. Adulteration, colour and melting point checks for candle and cosmetic use.
Sourcing nylon polyamide chips from ChinaPA6, PA66 and other nylon polyamide chips and compounds in primary forms from China pay 6% UK duty. Relative viscosity, moisture and grade checks.
Cotton linters and plant products from ChinaBuy cotton linters by measured batch quality, not cut labels alone. Chinese production locations, UK duty, VAT and plant-health checks explained.
Zeolites and lithium iron phosphate from ChinaSynthetic zeolites, aluminosilicates, lithium iron phosphate cathode powder and other inorganic salts from China pay 0% UK duty. Grade and purity checks.
Sourcing viscose staple fibre from ChinaViscose, modal and lyocell staple fibre from China, not carded or combed, pays 0% UK duty. Denier, cut length, whiteness and fibre labelling explained.
Sector guides (Page 15)
























































































































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