Guides
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.
Grey board and laminated paperboard from ChinaComposite paperboard such as laminated grey board, chipboard and duplex board made by gluing layers, from China, pays 0% UK duty. Warp and thickness checks.
Compounded rubber and masterbatch from ChinaUnvulcanised rubber compound with carbon black or silica, rubber solutions and compound sheet from China pay 0% UK duty. Cure, scorch and shelf life checks.
Sourcing cinnamon and cassia from ChinaCassia sticks, broken cassia and ground cinnamon from China pay 0% UK duty and zero-rate VAT. Coumarin limits, moisture and adulteration checks explained.
Wiping rags and textile scrap from ChinaSorted cotton wiping rags, new textile offcuts and scrap twine and rope from China pay 0% UK duty. Waste controls, absorbency and contamination checks.
Sourcing kraft paper and sack kraft from ChinaKraftliner, sack kraft, saturating kraft and other uncoated kraft paper and board from China pay 0% UK duty. Grammage, strength and moisture checks.
Polystyrene and ABS granules from ChinaExpandable and general-purpose polystyrene, SAN and ABS from China pay 6% UK duty, but ABS granules are suspended to 0% until the end of 2026.
Cross-stitch and needlework kits from ChinaCross-stitch, tapestry, embroidery and rug-making kits of fabric and yarn from China pay 12% UK duty. Kit contents, colour matching and toy rules explained.
Crucibles and kiln furniture from ChinaGraphite and silicon carbide crucibles, kiln shelves, saggars, nozzles and refractory tubes from China pay 4% UK duty. Grades and thermal shock checks.
Marine and hiking compasses from ChinaMarine and hiking compasses, navigation instruments and their parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Deviation, damping and marine equipment rules explained.
Sourcing small-run custom handbags from ChinaCustom fashion bags and handbags in runs of about 100 from China: how small-run pricing works, UK duty of 2% to 8%, and the leather and stitching checks.
Sourcing bathroom accessories from ChinaSoap dispensers, toilet roll and towel holders, shelves and hook sets from China: UK duty by material from 0% to 12%, and the plating and fixing checks.
Sourcing custom phone cases from ChinaHow to find a real phone case factory rather than a reseller, the UK duty on silicone, TPU and leather cases, and the checks that stop fit and print failures.
Acetylene and gas generators from ChinaAcetylene generators, biomass gasifiers and producer gas plants from China pay 0% UK duty. Acetylene Safety Regulations 2014 and pressure checks explained.
Stainless steel slabs and billets from ChinaStainless steel ingots, slabs, blooms and billets from China pay 0% UK duty, with no steel safeguard or anti-dumping duty. Grade and mill certificate checks.
Retread strips and uncured rubber from ChinaCamel-back retread strips and other unvulcanised rubber rods, tubes, profiles, discs and rings from China pay 0% UK duty. Extender oil and cure checks.
Sourcing hard rubber and ebonite from ChinaEbonite rods, sheets, tubes and hard rubber articles from China pay 0% UK duty. Hardness, sulphur content, PAH and machining checks explained.
Sourcing hand sieves and riddles from ChinaHand sieves and hand riddles from China pay 0% UK duty. Mesh, frame, food-contact and product safety checks for kitchen, garden and trade sieves.
Margarine and edible fat blends from ChinaMargarine, shortening and edible fat blends from China pay 16% UK duty, or 8% plus £23 per 100 kg with 10-15% milk fat. Spreads naming rules explained.
Gold and silver case watches from ChinaWristwatches and pocket watches with gold, silver or platinum cases from China pay £0.20 a watch UK duty. Hallmarking and movement checks explained.
Sourcing manganese metal from ChinaElectrolytic manganese flake, manganese powder, scrap and articles from China pay 0% UK duty. Purity, selenium and handling checks explained.
Sourcing titanium oxides from ChinaTitanium dioxide and other titanium oxides from China pay 0% UK duty, but rutile TiO2 has been registered for possible anti-dumping duty since March 2026.
Sourcing smoking pipes from ChinaWooden, briar, meerschaum and other smoking pipes, pipe bowls and cigarette holders from China pay 2% UK duty. Materials, finish and safety checks explained.
Modified starch and dextrins from ChinaDextrins, pregelatinised and esterified starches and starch glues from China pay 6% to 8% UK duty, some plus a specific duty. Food and grade checks explained.
Instant coffee and tea extracts from ChinaInstant coffee, coffee mixes, tea extracts and roasted chicory from China pay 6% to 14% UK duty. Zero-rated VAT, acrylamide and blend checks explained.
Sourcing canned mushrooms from ChinaCanned and jarred button mushrooms, shiitake and other preserved mushrooms from China pay 0% UK duty. Tin limits, can checks and food rules explained.
Breakfast cereals and puffed snacks from ChinaPuffed and flaked breakfast cereals, muesli, rice cakes and puffed snacks from China pay compound UK duty. Snack VAT, acrylamide and cereal checks explained.
Sourcing music boxes from ChinaMusic boxes, hand-crank movements, fairground organs and mechanical birds from China pay 0% UK duty. Tune licensing, toy rules and movement checks explained.
Carbonless and self-copy paper from ChinaCarbonless (NCR) self-copy paper, carbon and transfer papers and jumbo thermal paper rolls from China pay 0% UK duty. Coating checks and BPA limit explained.
Nickel tubes and pipe fittings from ChinaPure nickel and nickel alloy tubes, pipes and pipe fittings from China pay 0% UK duty. Grades, pressure equipment rules and material testing explained.
Pig bristles and brush hair from ChinaBoiled pig bristles, hog hair and badger and other brush-making hair from China pay 0% UK duty. Animal by-product rules, grading and fur controls explained.
Sourcing textile wallcoverings from ChinaGrasscloth-style, linen, silk, felt and nonwoven textile wallcoverings from China pay 0% UK duty. Fire classification, EN 15102 and roll checks explained.
Sourcing handkerchiefs from ChinaCotton, silk and other textile handkerchiefs from China pay 10% UK duty. Fibre labels, print quality and hem checks for gift and promotional ranges explained.
Sourcing lace and tulle from ChinaMechanically made lace, handmade lace and tulle net from China pay 6% or 8% UK duty. Knitted lace classification, fibre labels and dye checks explained.
Sourcing maps and globes from ChinaPrinted maps, atlases, wall charts and globes from China pay 0% UK duty. Maps are zero-rated for VAT but globes are not. Print and safety checks explained.
Sourcing nickel sheet and strip from ChinaPure nickel and nickel alloy plate, sheet, strip and foil from China pay 0% UK duty. Battery tab strip, alloy grades and plated-steel substitution explained.
Sourcing textile finishing agents from ChinaTextile softeners, finishing agents, dye carriers and paper and leather auxiliaries from China pay 6% or 8% UK duty. Chemical rules and lab checks explained.
Aluminium powder and flakes from ChinaAtomised aluminium powder and aluminium flake from China pay 0% UK duty. Explosives precursor reporting, dangerous goods and particle size explained.
Antifreeze and de-icing fluids from ChinaAntifreeze, engine coolant, screenwash and de-icing fluids from China pay 0% UK duty. The methanol screenwash ban, CLP labels and coolant tests explained.
Thinners and paint strippers from ChinaPaint thinners, composite solvents and paint and varnish removers from China pay 0% UK duty. CLP labels, the dichloromethane ban and flash point explained.
Wooden tool and broom handles from ChinaWooden tool handles, broom and brush handles and bodies, and shoe lasts and trees from China pay 0% UK duty. Grain, moisture and CITES checks explained.
Sourcing mica sheet and mica tape from ChinaMica sheet, mica paper, mica tape and cut mica parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Insulation grades, dielectric tests and heater uses explained.
Sourcing brass and copper rod from ChinaBrass rod, copper bar, busbar and copper alloy profiles from China pay 0% UK duty. Alloy grades, lead content and machinability checks explained.
Time clocks and time recorders from ChinaClocking-in machines, time recorders, parking timers and process timers from China pay 4% UK duty. Classification, electrical safety and data rules explained.
Sourcing cork sheets and stoppers from ChinaAgglomerated cork sheets, rolls, tiles, stoppers, gaskets and coasters from China pay 0% UK duty. Food contact, TCA taint and density checks explained.
Sourcing greases and cutting fluids from ChinaLubricating greases, cutting fluids, release agents and textile oils from China pay 4% or 6% UK duty. CLP labels, COSHH and grease tests explained.
Sourcing anchors and grapnels from ChinaBoat and ship anchors, grapnels and anchor parts of iron or steel from China pay 0% UK duty. Class certificates, galvanising and proof tests explained.
Sourcing paper tubes and cores from ChinaPaper cores, tubes, bobbins, spools and cones from China pay 0% UK duty. Crush strength, dimensional checks and the UK Timber Regulations explained.
Sourcing sealants and caulks from ChinaSilicone, acrylic, polyurethane and hybrid sealants, caulks and fillers from China pay 4% UK duty. BS EN 15651 marking, CLP labels and cure tests explained.
Sourcing aluminium tubes and pipes from ChinaAluminium tubes and pipes from China pay 6% UK duty, and seamless tubes up to 14 kg/m carry anti-dumping duty of up to 35.1%. Exemptions and tests explained.
Rubber and self-inking stamps from ChinaSelf-inking, date, numbering and rubber stamps and hand printing sets from China pay 0% UK duty. Ink, safety, CITES and impression checks explained.
Sourcing friction materials from ChinaBrake linings, pads and friction material from China pay 0% UK duty. The asbestos ban, ECE Regulation 90 approval and friction tests explained.
Sourcing embroidered patches from ChinaCustom embroidered patches, badges and motifs from China pay 4%, 6% or 8% UK duty, set by value per kg. Colour fastness, backing and logo rights explained.
Sourcing CNC machining centres from ChinaVertical and horizontal CNC machining centres and transfer machines from China pay 2% UK duty. Machinery safety, acceptance tests and run-offs explained.
Sourcing air guns and truncheons from ChinaAir rifles, air pistols, spring and gas guns and truncheons from China pay 2% UK duty. Firearms licensing, power limits and prohibited weapons explained.
Sourcing hormones and steroids from ChinaCorticosteroids, insulin, progestogens, oestrogens and prostaglandins as active substances from China pay 0% UK duty. MHRA and controlled drug rules explained.
Sourcing animal by-products from ChinaHorsehair, fish waste and hide parings: UK duty, treatment documents and practical checks before buying animal by-products from China.
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