Guides
Glass blocks and glass mosaic from ChinaGlass blocks and bricks, glass pavers, glass mosaic tiles and leaded lights from China pay 0% UK duty. Standards, fire claims, breakage and a worked example.
Drilling and milling machines from ChinaPillar and radial drills, knee-type mills, boring mills and tapping machines from China pay 0% or 2% UK duty. Machinery safety, accuracy tests and an example.
Sourcing clay roof tiles from ChinaClay plain and interlocking roof tiles, ridge tiles and fittings from China pay 0% UK duty. Frost resistance, BS EN 1304, fixing rules and a worked example.
Sourcing double-glazed units from ChinaDouble and triple-glazed sealed units from China pay 0% UK duty. Construction product marking, edge seals, U-values, crate damage and a worked duty example.
Metal nameplates and sign plates from ChinaEtched and engraved metal nameplates, rating plates, house numbers and door signs from China pay 0% UK duty. Durability tests, adhesives and an example.
Lathes and CNC turning centres from ChinaCNC turning centres, CNC lathes, bench lathes and other metal lathes from China pay 2% UK duty. Machinery safety, accuracy tests, installation and an example.
Sourcing gas cylinders from ChinaSeamless and welded steel gas cylinders, LPG bottles and pressure tanks from China pay 2% UK duty. Transportable pressure rules, hydraulic tests and an example.
Sourcing sewing machines from ChinaHousehold and industrial sewing machines, overlockers, needles and parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Electrical safety, stitch tests and a worked example.
Sourcing metal desk accessories from ChinaMetal paper trays, pen pots, desk organisers, magazine files and card-index boxes from China pay 2% UK duty. Coating tests, edges, packing and an example.
Glass beads and imitation pearls from ChinaGlass beads, seed beads, imitation pearls, cut crystal-style beads and glass microspheres from China pay 0% UK duty. Lead and cadmium limits, toy kits, tests.
Hat bands, linings and peaks from ChinaHeadbands, sweatbands, linings, peaks, hat frames and chinstraps for hat makers from China pay 0% UK duty. Wash tests, skin-contact chemicals and an example.
Pickles and vegetables in vinegar from ChinaGherkins, pickled onions, mushrooms, peppers and other vegetables in vinegar from China pay 0% to 16% UK duty. Drained weight, acidity, labels and an example.
Cooked shrimp and shellfish from ChinaCooked peeled shrimp, crayfish tails, crab meat, clams and sea cucumbers from China pay 8% to 25% UK duty. Listeria limits, allergens and a worked example.
Sourcing densified wood from ChinaDensified and laminated compressed wood blocks, plates and profiles from China pay 0% UK duty. Timber due diligence, electrical grades and density tests.
Sourcing oilcake and soybean meal from ChinaSoybean meal, rapeseed meal, cottonseed and sunflower cake and other oilcakes from China pay 0% UK duty. Feed rules, gossypol and aflatoxin limits, tests.
Sourcing frozen shrimp and crayfish from ChinaFrozen shrimp and prawns from China pay 12% UK duty, crayfish and crabs 6%. Approved plants, health certificates, glaze, sulphites and a worked example.
Brined vegetables for processing from ChinaVegetables in brine or sulphur dioxide for further processing, such as cucumbers, mushrooms, capers and olives, pay 0% UK duty from China. Sulphites and tests.
Stevia, rutin and other glycosides from ChinaRebaudioside A, hesperidin, rutin and glycyrrhizin salts from China pay 0% to 6% UK duty, with Reb A and hesperidin suspended to 0%. Food rules and tests.
Hexane and acyclic hydrocarbons from ChinaHexane, pentane, heptane, isooctane, butadiene and isoprene from China pay 0% UK duty. Flammable dangerous goods, food-grade extraction rules and purity tests.
Urea and nitrogen fertilisers from ChinaUrea, ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate and UAN from China pay 6% or 6.5% UK duty, with some urea and UAN suspended to 0%. AN rules, tests and an example.
Sourcing phosphate flame retardants from ChinaTCPP, TEP, BDP and other phosphate ester flame retardants and plasticisers from China pay 0% UK duty. Toy limits, restricted esters, tests and an example.
Toluene, xylene and styrene from ChinaToluene, xylenes, styrene, benzene, cyclohexane and cumene from China pay 0% UK duty. Flammable dangerous goods, REACH limits, drug precursor rules and tests.
Sourcing acetonitrile and nitriles from ChinaAcetonitrile, acrylonitrile, dicyandiamide and other nitriles from China pay 6% UK duty; acetonitrile is 0% until 2028. Grades, hazards and an example.
Epichlorohydrin and epoxides from ChinaEpichlorohydrin, propylene oxide, glycidyl ethers and other epoxides from China pay 0% UK duty. Toxic dangerous goods, CMR limits, purity checks and an example.
Glycol ethers and other ethers from ChinaGlycol ethers, diethylene glycol and other ethers from China mostly pay 4% UK duty; butyl glycol is 0% to end 2026. CMR limits, purity checks and an example.
Photographic and X-ray film from ChinaX-ray film, instant print film, printing plates and other flat photographic film from China pay 0% UK duty. Fogging, expiry, test shots and an example.
Silicon and tungsten carbide from ChinaSilicon carbide grain, tungsten carbide powder, boron and calcium carbide from China pay 4% UK duty. Grit sizing, carbon checks, UN 1402 and an example.
Lecithin, choline and quats from ChinaLecithin from China pays 0% UK duty; choline chloride and quaternary ammonium salts 6%, with listed grades suspended to 0%. GM labels, feed use and an example.
Sourcing natural colours and dyes from ChinaNatural colours from China, such as curcumin, anthocyanins, indigo and carmine, pay 0% UK duty. Food additive rules, border checks and lot tests.
Caustic soda and caustic potash from ChinaCaustic soda flakes, pearls and lye, caustic potash and sodium or potassium peroxides from China pay 4% UK duty. Purity, packing, UN numbers and an example.
Sourcing viscose and rayon fabrics from ChinaViscose, rayon, modal and lyocell woven fabrics and their blends from China pay 8% UK duty. Shrinkage, seam slippage, fibre labels and a worked example.
Rubber and plastic additives from ChinaPrepared rubber accelerators, compound plasticisers, antioxidants and UV stabilisers from China pay 0% UK duty. Phthalate limits, lot testing and an example.
Sourcing ion exchange resins from ChinaIon exchange resins from China for softening, deionisation, food and pharma pay 0% UK duty. Capacity and bead checks, drinking water rules and an example.
Sourcing polyester-viscose fabrics from ChinaPolyester-viscose, poly-wool and other blended synthetic staple fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Blend testing, pilling, fastness and a worked example.
Sourcing synthetic rubber from ChinaSBR, SBS, butadiene, butyl, chloroprene, nitrile and EPDM rubber and latex from China pay 0% UK duty. Mooney viscosity, volatiles checks and an example.
Sourcing PVA and polyvinyl acetate from ChinaPolyvinyl alcohol from China is suspended to 0% UK duty until 2028; polyvinyl acetate and VAE dispersions pay 6%. Solids, viscosity checks and an example.
Sourcing polypropylene granules from ChinaPolypropylene homopolymer, copolymer and compound granules from China pay 6% UK duty, with listed grades at 0%. MFR checks, food contact and an example.
Spun polyester and acrylic fabrics from ChinaWoven fabrics of 85% or more polyester, acrylic or nylon staple fibre from China pay 8% UK duty. Awning canvas, fire tests, fastness checks and an example.
Filter cloth and technical textiles from ChinaFilter cloth, screen printing mesh, press felts and other technical textiles from China pay 4% to 6% UK duty. Permeability and mesh checks, and an example.
Sourcing warp-knit fabrics from ChinaWarp-knit fabrics from China, including tricot, raschel mesh and spacer fabric, pay 8% UK duty. Width, shade and snagging checks, and a worked example.
Wood wool and cement-bonded boards from ChinaWood wool acoustic panels, cement-bonded particleboard and straw boards from China pay 0% UK duty. BS EN 13168, BS EN 634-2, fire class and an example.
Rubberised fabrics and cloth tapes from ChinaRubber-coated and laminated fabrics, knitted rubberised fabrics and cloth adhesive tape from China pay 4% to 8% UK duty. Coating adhesion, peel and an example.
Elastic cord and rubber thread from ChinaTextile-covered elastic cord, shirring elastic and rubber thread from China pay 4% UK duty. Stretch and recovery, latex, PAH limits and a worked example.
Wadding, cotton wool and flock from ChinaPolyester wadding, cotton wool and textile flock from China pay 2% or 4% UK duty, with two flock suspensions. Fire tests for fillings, loft and an example.
Needle-felt carpet and carpet tiles from ChinaNeedle-felt carpet, exhibition carpet and felt carpet tiles from China pay 6% UK duty. BS EN 14041, floor fire classes, EN 1470 and a worked example.
Sourcing terry towelling fabric from ChinaCotton and polyester terry towelling fabric and tufted fabrics in the piece from China pay 0% UK duty. GSM, absorbency, shrinkage and a worked example.
Bamboo and seagrass mats and blinds from ChinaBamboo blinds, rattan and seagrass mats, matting and screens of plaiting materials from China pay 0% UK duty. Mould, DMF, pests, finish and an example.
Roofing slate and slate products from ChinaRoofing and wall slates, slate coasters, boards and signs from China pay 0% UK duty. BS EN 12326 designations, pyrite checks, food contact and an example.
Walking sticks from China: import duty and MHRA rulesImporting walking sticks, folding sticks or seat-sticks from China: 2% UK duty, when a stick becomes a medical device, and the load checks to order.
Plaster coving and plasterboard from ChinaPlaster coving, ceiling roses, plasterboard and gypsum boards from China pay 0% UK duty. BS EN 520 and 14209, declarations of performance and an example.
Braids and decorative trimmings from ChinaBraids, gimp, pom-pom, fringe and tassel trims in the piece from China pay 4% UK duty. Colour fastness, children's cords rules and a worked example.
Sourcing hand-knitting yarn from ChinaAcrylic and other man-made hand-knitting yarn in retail balls from China pays 0% UK duty. Dye lots, ball weight, fibre labels and a worked example.
Sourcing knotted nets and netting from ChinaFishing nets, cargo nets, safety nets and knotted netting from China pay 8% UK duty. What falls outside the heading, EN 1263-1, ISO 1805 tests and an example.
Sourcing felt and felt sheets from ChinaNeedle felt, wool felt and craft felt sheets from China pay 6% UK duty. The cat and dog fur check, fibre labels, weight and thickness tests and an example.
Stone paving, setts and kerbs from ChinaGranite setts, kerbs and natural stone flagstones from China pay 0% UK duty. EN 1341 to 1343 tests, UKCA or CE and declarations of performance, and an example.
Sourcing greasy and scoured wool from ChinaGreasy, scoured and carbonised wool from China pays 0% UK duty but carries a veterinary control. Animal by-product rules, yield and micron tests, an example.
Phenol, bisphenol A and resorcinol from ChinaPhenol, cresols, bisphenol A, resorcinol and hydroquinone from China pay 0% to 4% UK duty, with listed suspensions. REACH limits, hazards and an example.
Water-based paints and varnishes from ChinaAcrylic emulsion, vinyl and other water-based paints and varnishes from China pay 6% UK duty. VOC limits, in-can preservatives, tests and a worked example.
Solvent-based paints and varnishes from ChinaSolvent-based alkyd, PU, epoxy, acrylic and polyester paints and varnishes from China: 0% or 6% UK duty by polymer. VOC limits, CLP, ODS and an example.
Catalysts and initiators from ChinaSupported nickel and precious metal catalysts, SCR catalysts and initiators from China: 6% base UK duty, with many listed 0% suspensions. Tests and an example.
Sourcing wool tops and carded wool from ChinaMerino wool tops, carded wool, cashmere tops and coarse hair from China pay 0% UK duty. Micron and length tests, fibre naming and a worked example.
Polycarboxylic acids and phthalates from ChinaAdipic acid, phthalic anhydride, PTA, maleic anhydride and plasticisers from China: 6% base UK duty, with listed suspensions and phthalate restrictions.
Sourcing synthetic monofilament from ChinaNylon, polyester and polypropylene monofilament from China pays 0% UK duty. Where the 1 mm and 67 decitex limits fall, tests and a worked duty example.
Sourcing car, van and lorry tyres from ChinaNew car and van tyres from China pay 4% UK duty; lorry tyres over load index 121 add per-tyre anti-dumping and countervailing duty. Approvals and an example.
Solid and retreaded tyres from ChinaSolid forklift tyres from China pay 2% UK duty; retreaded lorry tyres add per-tyre anti-dumping and countervailing duty. Codes, retread rules and an example.
Artificial and expandable graphite from ChinaSynthetic graphite powder, colloidal graphite and expandable graphite from China pay 0% UK duty. Grades, carbon and ash tests, expansion ratio and an example.
Cellulose ethers, HPMC and CMC from ChinaHPMC, CMC and other cellulose ethers from China: 6% base UK duty, hypromellose suspended to 0% to 2028. Grades, viscosity tests, food rules and an example.
Sourcing acrylic polymers and PMMA from ChinaPMMA granules, acrylic resins and superabsorbents from China mostly pay 6% UK duty, with listed 0% suspensions. Grades, tests and a worked example.
Spun polyester and acrylic yarn from ChinaSpun polyester, acrylic and nylon yarn from China pays 4% UK duty. Codes by fibre and blend, fibre labelling, count and twist tests and a worked example.
Artificial and prepared waxes from ChinaPolyethylene wax, PEG and blended candle waxes from China pay 0% UK duty. How waxes classify, melt point and oil content tests, candle safety and an example.
Fluting and testliner paper from ChinaFluting medium, testliner and other uncoated paper in reels from China pay 0% UK duty. Ring crush, CMT and burst tests, timber due diligence, example.
Sourcing hot stamping foils from ChinaHot stamping and heat transfer foils from China pay 0% UK duty. Matching foil to substrate, adhesion and rub tests, packaging heavy-metal limits and an example.
Fragrance oils and compounds from ChinaFragrance oils for candles, soap and cosmetics and flavour compounds from China pay 0% UK duty. CLP labels, IFRA limits and flavouring rules, with an example.
Sourcing wood veneer sheets from ChinaRotary and sliced wood veneer from China pays 0% UK duty. UK Timber Regulations due diligence, CITES and plant health checks, grading and an example.
Sourcing worsted wool fabrics from ChinaWorsted wool and fine hair suiting fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty, 6% with over 10% silk. Weight bands, pilling and fastness tests, CITES fibres, example.
Sourcing silk fabrics from ChinaSilk crepe, habotai, satin and noil fabrics from China pay 2% to 6% UK duty by type. Momme weight, seam slippage and fastness testing, with an example.
Sourcing cotton woven fabrics from ChinaCotton poplin, lawn, twill and printed cotton up to 200 g/m² from China pay 8% UK duty. Weave and weight codes, testing and a worked example.
Corrugated board and kraft paper from ChinaCorrugated board sheets and creped kraft paper from China pay 0% UK duty. Board strength tests, moisture, packaging EPR and a worked example.
Sourcing enzymes from ChinaEnzymes and enzyme preparations from China pay 0% UK duty. Food, feed and detergent grades, activity testing, sensitiser labelling and a worked example.
Greaseproof and glassine paper from ChinaGreaseproof, glassine, tracing and vegetable parchment paper from China pay 0% UK duty. Food contact rules, grease resistance tests and PFAS questions.
Sourcing wooden pallets and crates from ChinaWooden pallets, crates and cable drums from China pay 0% UK duty. UK Timber Regulations due diligence, ISPM 15 marking and pallet load tests, with an example.
Sourcing gelatin from ChinaGelatin from China pays 0% UK duty but carries a veterinary control. Food, pharmaceutical and technical grades, Bloom strength and source animal.
Granite and sandstone blocks from ChinaGranite blocks, sawn slabs and sandstone from China pay 0% UK duty. Test standards for strength, absorption and frost, silica dust, and a worked example.
Sweet potatoes, taro and yams from ChinaTaro, yams and sweet potatoes from China: UK duty is 2% or £5.30 to £7.90 per 100 kg by line, with zero-rated VAT, plant health and cold chain checks.
Ginseng and medicinal herbs from ChinaGinseng roots and dried herbs from China pay 0% UK duty, but CITES, controlled drug, novel food and herbal medicine rules decide what you can sell.
Sourcing feathers and down from ChinaDuck and goose down and feathers from China pay 0% UK duty with a veterinary control. Down content, fill power, cleanliness and traceability, with an example.
Sourcing coffee beans from ChinaGreen and roasted coffee from Yunnan: UK duty of 0% on green beans and 6% roasted, zero-rated VAT, grading, ochratoxin and acrylamide, with an example.
Sourcing citrus fruit and pomelos from ChinaPomelos, mandarins, oranges and lemons from China: UK duty is 0% on most lines to 2028, plus phytosanitary, marketing standard and cold chain checks.
Lanolin and wool grease from ChinaLanolin and wool grease from China pay 0% UK duty but carry a veterinary control. Pharmacopoeia and cosmetic grades, testing and a worked example.
Phosphoric acid from ChinaPhosphoric acid from China pays 0% UK duty. Food, technical and electronic grades, P2O5 reporting and corrosive packing, with a worked example.
Rare-earth and alkali metals from ChinaRare-earth metals, lithium, calcium and sodium metal from China: UK duty of 0% to 4%, the suspensions to 2028, purity testing and dangerous goods.
Natural gums and resins from ChinaGum arabic, shellac, tragacanth, benzoin and other natural gums and resins from China pay 0% UK duty. Food additive grades, CITES and controlled drugs.
Sunflower seeds and kernels from ChinaIn-shell sunflower seeds and shelled kernels from China pay 0% UK duty; food is zero-rated, bird food standard-rated. Aflatoxin, cadmium and grading.
Vermiculite and perlite from ChinaUnexpanded vermiculite and perlite ore from China pay 0% UK duty. Asbestos-free testing, grading, expansion tests and silica dust, with a worked example.
Sesame oil and tung oil from ChinaCrude, refined and toasted sesame oil and tung oil from China: 0% to 8% UK duty, zero-rated sesame oil, allergen labels and adulteration tests. Example.
Magnesia and magnesite from ChinaDead-burned, fused and caustic calcined magnesia and natural magnesite from China pay 0% UK duty. MgO grades, hydration, feed-grade rules and an example.
Bentonite and clays from ChinaBentonite for cat litter, drilling and foundry use, fireclay, andalusite, mullite and chamotte from China pay 0% UK duty. Swell tests, silica dust, example.
Yeast and baking powder from ChinaInstant dry yeast, active and inactive yeasts, nutritional yeast and baking powder from China pay 0% UK duty and 0% VAT as food. Activity tests and packing.
Leather keyrings and small goods from ChinaLeather keyrings, coasters, laces, straps, trays and technical leather articles from China pay 2% UK duty. Chromium VI limits, leather claims and tests.
Carbon black from ChinaRubber and pigment grades of carbon black, such as N330 and N550, and conductive carbon from China pay 0% UK duty. ASTM tests, dust safety and an example.
Paraffin wax and petroleum jelly from ChinaFully refined and semi-refined paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, slack wax and petroleum jelly from China pay 0% UK duty. Grades, tests and an example.
Bamboo canes and rattan from ChinaBamboo canes, split bamboo, rattan cane and core and other plaiting materials from China pay 0% UK duty. Plant health, insects, moisture and grading.
Dried beans and pulses from ChinaMung beans, adzuki beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils and dried peas from China pay 0% UK duty and 0% VAT. Sprouting seed rules, grading, tests.
Pepper and dried chillies from ChinaBlack pepper, ground pepper, dried chillies, chilli flakes and paprika from China pay 0% to 8% UK duty, with 0% suspensions. Residue tests and example.
NPK, DAP and MAP fertilisers from ChinaCompound NPK, DAP, MAP and PK fertilisers from China pay 2% to 6.5% UK duty. Fertiliser labelling, ammonium nitrate rules, nutrient and granule tests.
Straw hats and plaited headgear from ChinaSource straw hats in Wenling: compare hat construction, control mould and crushed brims, check children's cords, and calculate UK duty and VAT.
Float glass from ChinaClear, tinted, coated and wired float glass sheets from China pay 0% UK duty. BS EN 572-2, EN 1096 coatings, corrosion in transit, inspection, example.
Stainless steel strip from ChinaNarrow stainless steel strip under 600 mm wide from China, hot or cold rolled, pays 0% UK duty with no steel quota. EN 10088-2, EN 10258, grade checks.
Steam boilers from ChinaFiretube and watertube steam boilers, superheated water boilers and boiler parts from China pay 0% UK duty. Pressure equipment rules, EN 12953, example.
Fleece, plush and pile knit fabrics from ChinaPolar fleece, faux fur, plush, velour and terry knit fabrics from China pay 8% UK duty. Fire rules for upholstery and nightwear, tests, example.
Refractory bricks and blocks from ChinaMagnesia, silica, fireclay and high-alumina refractory bricks and blocks from China pay 0% UK duty. ISO 10081 classes, tests, silica dust, example.
Zinc anodes and zinc articles from ChinaZinc sacrificial anodes, zinc weights, tubes, fittings and other zinc articles from China pay 0% UK duty. ASTM B418 alloys, lead limits, tests, example.
Particleboard and OSB from ChinaChipboard, melamine-faced particleboard and OSB from China pay 6% UK duty. EN 312 and EN 300 grades, formaldehyde class, timber due diligence, example.
Ties, bow ties and cravats from ChinaSilk and polyester ties, bow ties and cravats from China pay 6% UK duty; knitted ties 12%. Fibre labelling, fastness tests and custom logo ties.
Razors and razor blades from ChinaDisposable razors, system handles, cartridges, double-edge blades and straight razors from China pay 2% UK duty. Age-sale law, blade tests, example.
Sulphates and alums from ChinaMagnesium, aluminium, copper, zinc, iron and sodium sulphates, alums and persulphates from China: 2% or 4% UK duty, 0% suspensions, grades and tests.
Steel storage tanks and vats from ChinaSteel and stainless tanks, vats and silos over 300 litres from China pay 0% UK duty. Pressure equipment rules, food contact, weld inspection and an example.
Flexible metal hoses from ChinaStainless corrugated hoses, braided connectors, gas hoses and flexible metal tubing from China pay 0% UK duty. ISO 10380, gas and shower hose standards.
Silicone oils, rubbers and resins from ChinaSilicone fluids, gums, liquid silicone rubber and resins in primary forms from China pay 6% UK duty, with narrow 0% suspensions. D4/D5 rules, tests, example.
Branded paper coffee cups from ChinaPrinted takeaway coffee cups from China pay 0% UK duty; plastic lids 6%. What a few cafés can order, lid fit, the polystyrene ban, EPR and an example.
Sector guides (Page 68)
























































































































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