How to export locks and fittings from the UK to China
To export locks to China, classify each model, agree the import route and prepare the UK declaration. Chinese MFN duty is 7% or 9% by tariff line; VAT also shapes landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Classify each model before agreeing the order
For locks, hinges and metal fittings, establish each model’s classification and have the importer confirm its import conditions before accepting an order.
Under HS 8301-8302 (15 subheadings), HMRC recorded £13.4m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 15 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £14.0m, -4.9%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £29.9m. January to July 2026: £9.2m against £9.2m in the same months of 2025 (+0.1%).
The largest UK export line was 83024900 under HS 830249, covering other base-metal mountings and fittings, at £4.2m. That is an HS-code total. Separate complete locks, parts, separately presented keys, hinges and other fittings in your product schedule so the importer can assess the actual goods.
Build Chinese duty and VAT into the quoted price
The listed Chinese tariff lines have MFN rates of 7% for padlocks, furniture locks, separately presented keys and hat-racks, hooks, brackets and similar fixtures. The other listed lines carry 9%. Motor-vehicle locks split into Chinese tariff lines 83012010 and 83012090, both at 9%. These costs shape the landed price and what an importer can offer you.
The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its reduced-rate and special rules. Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. Have the importer’s customs broker confirm the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to these fittings before finalising the price.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 83011000 | 7% |
| 83012010 | 9% |
| 83012090 | 9% |
| 83013000 | 7% |
| 83014000 | 9% |
| 83015000 | 9% |
| 83016000 | 9% |
| 83017000 | 7% |
| 83021000 | 9% |
| 83022000 | 9% |
| 83023000 | 9% |
| 83024100 | 9% |
| 83024200 | 9% |
| 83024900 | 9% |
| 83025000 | 7% |
| 83026000 | 9% |
Prepare the UK declaration for the actual shipment
You must find the correct UK commodity code. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales require an EORI number starting GB and an export declaration through the online service. Do not assume the UK export code is identical to the Chinese tariff line: UK building-door locks, for example, have separate cylinder-lock and other-lock export lines.
Give the declarant the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing-list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Make the descriptions specific enough to distinguish a complete lock from a replacement part or separately presented key.
Use retail cross-border e-commerce only for listed lines
The cross-border e-commerce retail import list partially covers these goods: 83014000 for other locks, 83024100 for building fittings, 83024200 for furniture fittings and 83025000 for hat-racks, hooks, brackets and similar fixtures. Check the exact Chinese classification before proposing this route; the listing does not cover the whole product range.
Listed goods entering through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 retail channels are supervised as personal-use articles. First-import licence, registration and filing requirements are not applied, except for goods from suspended epidemic areas or subject to emergency risk handling. The overseas business carries the main quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company for customs registration, truthful declarations and shared civil liability.
The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person. Before ordering, consumers must accept the risk notice covering possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of a Chinese label, access to a Chinese electronic label, and personal use without resale. This route therefore cannot supply a distributor’s resale stock.
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Find and check the Chinese company taking your stock
For these fittings, ask a prospective importer which models it wants, which Chinese tariff lines it proposes and whether it intends distributor resale or personal-use retail sales. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.
We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and, where required, the cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; the brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. Use our export service to discuss finding or checking an importer for your locks.
Frequently asked questions
Which HS code covers my locks or fittings?
Padlocks fall under HS 830110, furniture locks under 830130 and hinges under 830210. Complete locks, parts and separately presented keys have different lines; classify each model before quoting.
What Chinese duty should I allow for UK locks?
Chinese line 83011000 for padlocks and 83013000 for furniture locks carry 7% MFN duty. Other locks under 83014000 carry 9%. Import VAT also adds to landed cost.
Can I sell locks through cross-border e-commerce?
The retail import list includes 83014000 for other locks, plus specified building and furniture fittings and fixtures. Confirm the exact line; personal-use retail imports may not be resold.
What must I give the UK export declarant?
For the fittings being shipped, provide the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing-list references. A GB EORI is needed for exports from Great Britain.