Guides
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.
Sourcing washing machines from ChinaHousehold and commercial washing machines pay 2% UK duty from China. Mains household machines fall under the 2021 ecodesign rules; plumbing and spares to plan.
Sourcing drill bits and saw blades from ChinaDrill bits, taps and cutting tools pay 0% UK duty from China, circular saw blades 2%. Steel grade, coatings, shanks and marking to specify.
Sourcing electric motors from China: IE3 and dutyElectric motors pay 0% UK duty from China. Induction motors from 0.12 to 1,000 kW must meet IE2, IE3 or IE4 efficiency under the 2021 ecodesign rules.
Sourcing electric vans and light trucks from ChinaElectric vans and trucks pay 10% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty. Approval before registration, payload, charging and parts to plan.
Sourcing excavators from China: the duty by weightMini excavators under 11 tonnes from China carry no trade remedy; 11 to 80 tonne machines face up to 40.08% anti-dumping and 2.98% countervailing duty.
Sourcing toughened and laminated glass from ChinaToughened and laminated safety glass pays 0% UK duty from China. The product standards, marking, heat soak and sizing checks for shower screens and balustrades.
Sourcing aluminium cookware from ChinaAluminium pans, bakeware and foil containers pay 6% UK duty from China. Food contact evidence, coatings, induction bases and thickness to check.
Sourcing generators from China: duty and noiseDiesel and petrol generator sets pay 0% UK duty from China. Power generators under 400 kW have legal noise limits, and engine and electrical checks matter.
Sourcing pyjamas and nightwear from ChinaKnitted pyjamas, nightdresses and briefs pay 12% UK duty from China. The Nightwear Safety Regulations decide the fabric for children and the label for adults.
Sourcing radiators and towel rails from ChinaCentral heating radiators and towel rails pay 2% UK duty from China. Declared heat output, pressure testing, UK connections and finish to check.
Sourcing candles and scented candles from ChinaCandles pay 0% UK duty from China. The general safety duty, fire and labelling standards, fragrance data and the burn tests an own-label range needs.
Sourcing aluminium extrusions from ChinaChinese aluminium profiles pay 6% UK duty plus anti-dumping of up to 35.1% on extrusions up to 14 kg/m. What is exempt, and the alloy and finish checks.
Sourcing e-bikes from China: the duty that appliesChinese e-bikes pay 6% UK duty, and foldable e-bikes also face up to 62.1% anti-dumping and 17.2% countervailing duty. Non-foldable ones are exempt.
Sourcing wooden doors and wood flooring from ChinaEngineered wood flooring and most wooden doors pay 0% UK duty from China, windows 2%. Timber due diligence, construction standards and moisture to check.
Sourcing pressure washers and sprayers from ChinaPressure washers, spray guns and garden sprayers pay 0% UK duty from China. Noise marking, machinery rules and the pump and pressure claims to test.
Sourcing coats, parkas and jackets from ChinaCoats, parkas and anoraks pay 12% UK duty from China. Weight per garment sets the code, and down, fur trim or leather tabs need an extra label.
Sourcing women's dresses and knitwear from ChinaKnitted dresses, skirts, trousers and jackets pay 12% UK duty from China. The fibre label, fit and grading, shrinkage and fabric minimums to plan.
Sourcing vape devices, pods and e-liquids from ChinaVape devices pay 2% UK duty from China and filled pods and e-liquids 6%, plus Vaping Products Duty from 1 October 2026. Notification, limits and stamps.
Sourcing laptops, mini PCs and peripherals from ChinaLaptops, mini PCs, keyboards and drives pay 0% UK duty from China. Computer ecodesign, the PSTI exception for computers, and what goes wrong in builds.
Sourcing boom lifts and machinery parts from ChinaChinese boom lifts now face a provisional UK anti-dumping duty of up to 71.74% on top of 4%. What the case covers, and the machinery rules for access platforms.
Sourcing gas turbines and turbine parts from ChinaBuying Chinese gas turbines and hot-section parts: manufacturing locations, acceptance tests, UK machinery rules and a worked duty and VAT calculation.
Sourcing monitors, projectors and signage from ChinaMonitors that connect to a computer pay 0% UK duty from China; other monitors, projectors and TVs pay 14%. The ecodesign display rules and panel checks.
Sourcing electric buses and coaches from ChinaElectric buses pay 10% UK duty from China and new diesel buses 16%. Approval, accessibility rules for service buses, and charging to plan with the order.
Sourcing electric and plug-in hybrid cars from ChinaNew electric and plug-in hybrid cars pay 10% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty. Approval, right-hand drive, battery shipping and parts to plan.
Sourcing own-brand and custom socks from ChinaSocks and tights pay 12% UK duty from China, compression hosiery 8%. The fibre composition label, knitting detail and per-design minimums to plan.
Sector guides (Page 9)
























































































































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