Guides

Sector guides (Page 20)

Aisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing honey from ChinaNatural honey from China pays 16% UK duty and carries a veterinary control. Approved countries, residue testing, authenticity and honey labelling explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing wooden picture frames from ChinaWooden frames for paintings, photographs and mirrors pay 0% UK duty from China, or 2% in specified tropical wood. Timber legality and glazing explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing marble and granite stone from ChinaMarble, travertine, granite and other worked stone, including tiles, slabs, carvings and memorials, pay 0% UK duty from China. Standards explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing spices, ginger and turmeric from ChinaGinger, saffron, turmeric, curry powder, thyme, bay leaves and other spices pay 0% UK duty from China. Contaminant limits and food law explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing keyboards and electric guitars from ChinaDigital pianos, keyboards, synthesisers, electronic organs and electric guitars pay 2% UK duty from China. Electrical safety, WEEE and quality explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing sucralose and furan chemicals from ChinaSucralose, tetrahydrofuran, furfural, coumarins and other oxygen heterocyclics pay 0% to 6% UK duty from China. Precursor controls explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing titanium products from ChinaTitanium sponge, powder and scrap pay 4% UK duty from China; titanium bars, rods, wire, plate, sheet, tube and other articles 6%. Grades explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing vitamins from ChinaVitamins A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, D and E, their derivatives and natural concentrates pay 0% UK duty from China. Supplement and feed rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing garden hand tools from ChinaSpades, shovels, hoes, rakes, axes, secateurs, hedge shears and other garden and forestry hand tools pay 0% UK duty from China. Quality explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing cutlery, spoons and forks from ChinaStainless steel spoons, forks, ladles, cake servers and cutlery sets pay 8% UK duty from China; other base metal 4%. Food contact and grades explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing glass fibre and glass wool from ChinaGlass fibre chopped strands, rovings, yarn, mats, mesh and woven fabrics pay 4% to 7% UK duty from China; glass wool 4% to 6%. Insulation rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing perfume and fragrances from ChinaPerfumes and toilet waters pay 0% UK duty from China. The cosmetics rules, safety assessment, SCPN notification and flammable shipping explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing molybdenum products from ChinaMolybdenum powder, unwrought molybdenum, bars, rods, sheet, wire and other molybdenum articles pay 0% UK duty from China. Grades and certificates explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing scarves and shawls from ChinaWoven scarves, shawls, mufflers, veils and mantillas in silk, wool, cashmere, cotton or synthetics pay 8% UK duty from China. Fibre claims explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing industrial gases and silicon from ChinaArgon, nitrogen and oxygen pay 4% UK duty from China, hydrogen 2%, and helium, silicon metal and selenium 0%. Cylinders and dangerous goods explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing biscuits, cakes and bakery from ChinaBiscuits, wafers, cakes, rusks and savoury snacks pay 8% UK duty from China; crispbread and rice paper carry a per-kilo duty too. Food rules explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing citric acid and food acids from ChinaCitric acid, citrates, tartaric and lactic acid from China: UK duty is now 0% on most lines under suspensions. Purity rules, testing and an example.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing frozen vegetables from ChinaFrozen peas, beans, spinach, peppers, broccoli, mixed vegetables and potatoes pay 14% UK duty from China; frozen sweetcorn 4% plus £7.80 per 100 kg.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing nonwoven fabrics from ChinaSpunbond, meltblown, spunlace and needle-punched nonwovens, coated or not, pay 4% UK duty from China. Specification, REACH and end-use rules explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing foam sheet and plastic laminates from ChinaPlastic foam sheet in PVC, PU, PE and PS, high-pressure laminates and reinforced plastic sheet pay 6% UK duty from China. Insulation and fire rules explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing polyester and nylon fabrics from ChinaWoven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn, such as polyester and nylon taffeta, oxford and chiffon, pay 8% UK duty from China. REACH and fibre labels explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing shavers and hair clippers from ChinaElectric shavers, hair clippers, beard trimmers and hair-removing appliances with a built-in motor pay 2% UK duty from China. Safety and batteries explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing optical lenses and fibres from ChinaOptical fibres, polarising sheet, contact lenses and spectacle lenses pay 0% or 2% UK duty from China. Opticians Act and medical device rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing tissue parent reels from ChinaTissue parent reels, cellulose wadding, creped tissue and towel and napkin stock in large rolls pay 0% UK duty from China. Timber rules and specs explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing combs and hair accessories from ChinaCombs, hair slides, hair clips, hairpins, curling pins and similar hair accessories pay 2% UK duty from China. Children's safety and finishes explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing wheelchairs and mobility scooters from ChinaManual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters pay 0% UK duty from China. Medical device rules, road classes and VAT relief explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing weighing scales from ChinaHousehold, shop, platform and crane scales, checkweighers and weighing parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Trade-use approval explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing torches and head torches from ChinaBattery torches, head torches, work lights and camping lanterns pay 4% UK duty from China. Batteries, eye safety and shipping explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing switchgear enclosures and parts from ChinaSwitchboard enclosures, panels, cabinets and parts for switches, breakers and control gear pay 0% UK duty from China. Assembly standards explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing radios and DAB receivers from ChinaPortable radios, DAB and internet radios, clock radios and radio-cassette players pay 0% UK duty from China. Radio equipment, safety and WEEE explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing nappies and sanitary pads from ChinaBaby nappies, sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners and incontinence products pay 0% UK duty from China. The VAT rates differ, and that shapes pricing.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing petrol engines and outboards from ChinaChoose the right engine approval, compare Chinese manufacturing locations, inspect outboards under load and calculate UK duty and import VAT.5 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing calculators and cash registers from ChinaPocket, desktop, printing and scientific calculators, cash registers and similar machines pay 0% UK duty from China. Batteries and WEEE explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing stainless steel sinks and baths from ChinaStainless steel sinks and washbasins, steel and cast iron baths and other steel sanitary ware pay 0% UK duty from China. Standards and fittings explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing greeting cards and postcards from ChinaPrinted postcards and greeting cards, with or without envelopes or trimmings, pay 0% UK duty from China. Musical cards, batteries and packaging explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedLogo golf umbrellas and parasols from ChinaUmbrellas, telescopic umbrellas, golf umbrellas and garden parasols pay 4% UK duty from China. Fibre labels, wind testing and printing explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing wooden and bamboo kitchenware from ChinaChopping boards, chopsticks, bamboo and wooden tableware and kitchen utensils pay 0% UK duty from China. Food contact and bamboo composites explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing cast iron covers and castings from ChinaCast iron castings pay 0% UK duty from China, but manhole covers and gratings of grey or ductile iron carry anti-dumping duty of 15.5% to 38.1%.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing wood mouldings and parquet strips from ChinaWood mouldings, skirting, beading, picture frame mouldings and unassembled parquet strips pay 0% UK duty from China. Timber legality explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing pasta, noodles and dumplings from ChinaNoodles, pasta and dumplings from China are suspended to 0% UK duty until the end of 2028, replacing mixed duties. Animal products and labels explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing ethanolamines and amino acids from ChinaEthanolamines, amino acids such as lysine, glycine and MSG, and other amino compounds pay 0% to 6% UK duty from China. Precursor rules explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing hoists, winches and jacks from ChinaElectric and manual hoists, winches, capstans, garage lifts and hydraulic jacks pay 0% UK duty from China. Lifting machinery and LOLER explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing welding and soldering machines from ChinaArc, MIG, TIG, spot, laser and plasma welders, soldering irons and wave soldering machines pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety standards explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing medical and barber chairs from ChinaDental chairs, barber and salon chairs, hospital beds, operating tables and examination couches pay 0% UK duty from China. Device rules explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing neodymium and ferrite magnets from ChinaNeodymium, samarium and ferrite permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic chucks and clutches pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing women's blouses and shirts from ChinaWomen's woven blouses and shirts in silk, wool, cotton or man-made fibres pay 12% UK duty from China. Fibre labels, fabric and fit explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing oscilloscopes and multimeters from ChinaOscilloscopes, multimeters, clamp meters, radiation detectors and other electrical test instruments pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing throws, bedspreads and cushions from ChinaBedspreads, throws, cushion covers, wall hangings and bed nets pay 12% UK duty from China. Furniture fire rules and fibre labels explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing metal cans, drums and tins from ChinaSteel drums, tanks, food and drink cans, tins and boxes up to 300 litres pay 0% UK duty from China. Food contact, UN packaging and EPR explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing crushers and concrete mixers from ChinaCrushers, screens, washing plants, concrete and mortar mixers and ceramic machinery pay 0% UK duty from China. Machinery and noise rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing antennas and display parts from ChinaAerials, antennas, OLED panels, display assemblies and other parts for radio, TV and monitor apparatus pay 0% UK duty from China. Spares explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing laundry and dry-cleaning machines from ChinaCommercial dryers, ironers, dry-cleaning, dyeing and textile finishing machines pay 2% UK duty from China. Machinery, gas and water rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing metal ornaments and photo frames from ChinaBase metal bells, statuettes and ornaments pay 0% UK duty from China; metal photo frames and mirrors 2%. Lead limits and product safety explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing knitted jumpsuits and bodysuits from ChinaKnitted jumpsuits, bodysuits, overalls, tunics and other garments not specified elsewhere pay 12% UK duty from China. Labels and fit explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing record players and audio players from ChinaCompare turntable mechanisms, test playback faults, check UK compliance and calculate duty and VAT before ordering audio players from China.5 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing thiazoles and other heterocyclics from ChinaThiazoles, benzothiazoles, phenothiazines and nucleic acids pay 0% or 6% UK duty from China. Pharmaceutical relief, REACH and drug controls explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing men's knitted suits and trousers from ChinaMen's knitted suits, blazers, trousers, shorts and joggers pay 12% UK duty from China. Fibre labels, fit and fabric testing explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing sweets and sugar confectionery from ChinaSweets, jellies, toffees, chewing gum and white chocolate pay 6% to 8% UK duty from China. High-risk food checks and colour warnings explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing flow meters and pressure gauges from ChinaFlow meters, level sensors, pressure gauges and transmitters pay 0% UK duty from China. Hazardous areas, trade use and calibration explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing integrated circuits and chips from ChinaProcessors, memories, amplifiers and other integrated circuits pay 0% UK duty from China. Counterfeit risk, traceability and testing explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing copper and brass pipe fittings from ChinaCopper and brass tube fittings, such as couplings, elbows and tees, pay 0% UK duty from China. Water Fittings Regulations and DZR brass explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing men's underwear and loungewear from ChinaMen's knitted underpants, briefs, pyjamas, nightshirts and dressing gowns pay 12% UK duty from China. Fibre labels and nightwear rules explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders from ChinaHydraulic cylinders pay 2% UK duty from China, other hydraulic and pneumatic motors and cylinders 4%, parts and wind turbine blades 0%.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing injection moulds and tooling from ChinaInjection moulds, mould bases and moulds for metal, glass and rubber pay 0% UK duty from China. Mould ownership and the assist rule explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing drone and aircraft parts from ChinaPropellers, rotors, undercarriages and other parts of drones and aircraft pay 0% UK duty from China. Class marks and release certificates explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing food preparations from ChinaBuy protein blends and supplement bases with the recipe, UK tariff, VAT treatment, allergen controls and batch-release evidence agreed before production.5 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing measuring and inspection machines from ChinaCMMs, profile projectors, vision systems and balancing machines pay 0% UK duty from China; test benches 2%. Calibration and safety explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing gas, water and electricity meters from ChinaGas, water and electricity meters and their parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Measuring Instruments Regulations and smart meter security explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing quartz and other glass articles from ChinaQuartz tubes, fused silica parts, vacuum flask liners and other glass articles pay 0% UK duty from China. Specification and testing explained.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing slippers and other footwear from ChinaOther footwear from China, such as felt slippers and textile-soled shoes, pays 2% to 16% UK duty. The upper and sole decide the rate.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing pet food and animal feed from ChinaUK duty on pet food from China runs from 0% to £793 a tonne by starch and milk content. Approved plants, IPAFFS and border checks explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing vaccines and antisera from ChinaVaccines, antisera, immunological products and blood fractions pay 0% UK duty from China. MHRA, VMD and pathogen licences explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing spark plugs and starter motors from ChinaSpark plugs, ignition coils, starter motors and alternators pay 2% UK duty from China. Brand marks, fitment and remanufacturing explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing vehicle lights and horns from ChinaVehicle and bicycle lights, horns, car alarms and wipers pay 2% UK duty from China. Headlamps need approval marks, and LED retrofits fail the MOT.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing plastic film and sheet from ChinaPlastic film and sheet of PE, PP, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate and PET pay 6% UK duty from China. Packaging tax, food contact and REACH explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing thermostats and controllers from ChinaThermostats, manostats and automatic controllers pay 0% UK duty from China, other controllers 2%. Smart models fall under PSTI.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing baby clothing from ChinaKnitted baby clothes pay 12% UK duty from China, baby gloves 8%. Fibre labels, cords, small parts, nightwear labelling and chemical tests to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing stainless steel sheet and coil from ChinaCold-rolled stainless steel sheet and coil pay 0% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty. Grade, finish, tolerance and mill certificates decide it.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing work gloves and knitted gloves from ChinaCoated knitted work gloves from China can enter at 0% until 2028 under a suspension; other knitted gloves pay 8%. PPE categories and approved bodies explained.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing printers and 3D printers from ChinaPrinters, multifunction machines and plastic 3D printers pay 0% UK duty from China, metal 3D printers 2%. PSTI, safety and consumables.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing batteries and button cells from ChinaAlkaline, lithium and button cell batteries pay 4% UK duty from China. Mercury and cadmium limits, labelling, producer duties and button cell safety.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing aluminium foil from ChinaRetail rolls of aluminium kitchen foil from China pay 7.5% plus 35.6% anti-dumping duty; jumbo rolls and converter foil pay 6%. Gauge, length and food contact.3 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing book printing from ChinaPrinted books, brochures and children's colouring books pay 0% UK duty from China. Files, paper, binding, proofs and freight time to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing sunglasses and safety glasses from ChinaSunglasses and safety spectacles pay 2% UK duty from China. Sunglasses are category I PPE; safety eyewear is category II and needs an approved body.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing dishwashers and packing machines from ChinaDishwashers and filling, sealing and wrapping machines pay 0% UK duty from China. Ecodesign for household dishwashers and machinery rules for the rest.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing plasters, bandages and dressings from ChinaAdhesive plasters, gauze and wound dressings pay 0% UK duty from China. Most are medical devices, so class, UK Responsible Person and registration apply.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing toilet paper and tissue from ChinaToilet paper, facial tissues, kitchen rolls and napkins pay 0% UK duty from China. Ply, sheet count, GSM, packaging and container economics decide it.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing acrylic baths, shower trays and toilet seatsPlastic baths, shower trays, basins and toilet seats pay 6% UK duty from China. Material, reinforcement, standards and UK fittings to specify.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing packing tape and adhesive tapesSelf-adhesive plastic tape in rolls pays 6% UK duty from China. Adhesive type, film thickness, true roll length and printed tape to specify.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing pens and markers from ChinaBallpoint pens, rollerballs, markers and pencils pay 2% UK duty from China. Ink, cap safety, printing and minimums for promotional and retail pens.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing printed circuit boards from ChinaPrinted circuit boards pay 0% UK duty from China. Gerber files, laminate grade, surface finish, acceptability class and IP protection decide the order.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing air conditioners from China: F-gas rulesAir conditioners pay 2% UK duty from China. Pre-charged units need F-gas quota authorisations above 100 tonnes CO2e a year, and some refrigerants are banned.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing steel and iron pipe fittings from ChinaCast iron, malleable iron and steel pipe fittings pay 0% UK duty from China. Threads, pressure ratings, material certificates and water approval to check.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing blankets and throws from ChinaFleece blankets and throws pay 12% UK duty from China, electric blankets 6%. Fibre labels, weight, pilling and electric blanket safety to check.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing curtains and blinds from ChinaCurtains pay 12% UK duty from China, nonwoven ones 6%. Fibre labels, blind cord safety, fire performance for contract work and sizing to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing wigs, hair extensions and false lashesWigs, hair extensions and false eyelashes pay 2% UK duty from China. Lash glue is a cosmetic needing a UK Responsible Person and notification.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing prams and pushchairs from ChinaPrams, pushchairs and their parts pay 2% UK duty from China. They must be safe under the general safety rules, and brakes, locks and stability are tested.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing vacuum flasks and insulated tumblersVacuum flasks and insulated bottles pay 0% UK duty from China. Food contact evidence, steel grade, heat retention claims and branding to check.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing caps and hats from ChinaBaseball caps, beanies and textile hats pay 2% UK duty from China. Embroidery, sizing, fibre labels and minimums for branded and retail headwear.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing quartz worktops and engineered stoneEngineered quartz slabs and worktops pay 0% UK duty from China. Silica dust for fabricators, slab quality, sizes and crating are what to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing tracksuits and swimwear from ChinaWoven tracksuits, ski suits and swimwear pay 12% UK duty from China. Fabric performance, chlorine resistance, sizing and the fibre label to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing medicines from China: licences firstMedicines pay 0% UK duty from China. Selling needs a UK marketing authorisation, and importing into Great Britain needs an MHRA licence.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing chemical intermediates from ChinaHeterocyclic compounds pay 0% UK duty from China if listed as pharmaceutical substances, otherwise 4% to 6%. UK REACH registration applies from 1 tonne a year.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing cooked chicken and meat products from ChinaCooked chicken from China pays £856 per tonne, or 8% within the tariff quota. Approved plants, health certificates, IPAFFS and a border control post apply.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing frozen fish fillets from ChinaFrozen cod and haddock fillets pay 6% UK duty from China, Alaska pollock 12%. Catch certificates, processing statements, IPAFFS and a border control post apply.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing computer parts and components from ChinaParts and accessories for computers pay 0% UK duty from China. Part numbers, counterfeit components, ESD packing and batteries are what to control.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing silver jewellery and silver from ChinaSilver and silverware pay 0% to 2% UK duty from China. Items of 7.78 g or more must be hallmarked before they can be described as silver.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing aluminium sheet and composite panelsAluminium sheet and composite panels pay 6% UK duty from China. In England, polyethylene-core panels cannot go on any building's external wall.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing drones and aircraft from ChinaDrones and civil aircraft pay 0% UK duty from China. New drone models need a UK class mark from 1 January 2026, and weight sets the registration rules.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing gearboxes and drive parts from ChinaGearboxes, gears, pulleys and couplings pay 0% UK duty from China, transmission shafts 4% and bearing housings 6%. Ratings, materials and noise to check.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing lubricants and motor oils from ChinaMotor, hydraulic and gear oils pay 2% UK duty from China. Safety data sheets, hazard labels, specifications and packaging are what to settle.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing engine parts from ChinaBuy pistons, rings and liners against the right engine variant, measured samples and batch records. Chinese sourcing routes, UK duty and safety duties.5 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing ironing boards from China: the dutyChinese ironing boards carry UK anti-dumping duty of up to 42.3% until 3 October 2029, on top of 0% to 3.2% duty. Named producers pay less.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing orthopaedic supports and braces from ChinaOrthopaedic supports, braces, splints and hearing aids pay 0% UK duty from China. Medical claims make them medical devices, with registration to plan.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing bras and lingerie from ChinaBras, girdles and corsetry pay 6% UK duty from China. Corsetry has its own fibre labelling rule, and the size grid sets the minimum order.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing USB drives and memory cards from ChinaUSB drives, memory cards and smart cards pay 0% UK duty from China. Fake capacity, flash grade and branded promotional sticks are what to control.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing trailers and caravans from ChinaTrailers, caravans, axles and trailer parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Trailers are an approval category, so approval, brakes, lights and axles come first.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing artificial flowers and plants from ChinaArtificial flowers, foliage and plants pay 4% UK duty from China. Materials, UV stability for outdoor use, fire performance for venues and freight by volume.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing mirrors and LED bathroom mirrors from ChinaGlass mirrors, framed or unframed, pay 0% UK duty from China. Silvering, safety backing, LED and demister electrics, and crating to specify.4 min readAisles of a large supermarket seen from above, shelves fully stockedSourcing water pumps and circulators from ChinaWater pumps, submersible pumps and heating circulators pay 0% UK duty from China. Circulators must meet an energy efficiency index of 0.23 or less.4 min read

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