Guides
Sourcing honey from ChinaNatural honey from China pays 16% UK duty and carries a veterinary control. Approved countries, residue testing, authenticity and honey labelling explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing sucralose and furan chemicals from ChinaSucralose, tetrahydrofuran, furfural, coumarins and other oxygen heterocyclics pay 0% to 6% UK duty from China. Precursor controls explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing weighing scales from ChinaHousehold, shop, platform and crane scales, checkweighers and weighing parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Trade-use approval explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Logo 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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%.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing neodymium and ferrite magnets from ChinaNeodymium, samarium and ferrite permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic chucks and clutches pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing oscilloscopes and multimeters from ChinaOscilloscopes, multimeters, clamp meters, radiation detectors and other electrical test instruments pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing integrated circuits and chips from ChinaProcessors, memories, amplifiers and other integrated circuits pay 0% UK duty from China. Counterfeit risk, traceability and testing explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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%.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing vaccines and antisera from ChinaVaccines, antisera, immunological products and blood fractions pay 0% UK duty from China. MHRA, VMD and pathogen licences explained.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing thermostats and controllers from ChinaThermostats, manostats and automatic controllers pay 0% UK duty from China, other controllers 2%. Smart models fall under PSTI.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sourcing 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.
Sector guides (Page 20)
























































































































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