How to export Original paintings to China
Classify each work, check whether UK cultural-goods licensing applies and agree the Chinese tariff line and landed cost with the importer before dispatch. The Chinese import requirements need confirmation for the actual works. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Match the works to a Chinese import route
Original paintings and drawings sit within the supplied HS group 9701-9701 (6 subheadings), which also includes mosaics and collages. The largest UK export line to mainland China was 97019100 at £10.7m in 2025; this is the whole code’s value. These codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Have the importer establish the Chinese entry requirements for the actual works before accepting an order.
HMRC recorded £11.1m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 970121, 970122, 970129, 970191, 970192, 970199 in 2025 (2024: £24.7m, -54.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £47.6m. January to July 2026: £3.1m against £4.6m in the same months of 2025 (-31.2%).
Price against the exact Chinese tariff line
The verified MFN rates for the listed Chinese tariff lines are shown below. Lines 97012100, 97012200 and 97012900 also have a provisional 2026 rate of 0%. Import VAT generally uses the 13% rate, subject to exceptions; its base is customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer’s customs broker confirms the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to these works. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the importer’s offer.
| Chinese tariff line | MFN rate |
|---|---|
| 97012100 | 4% |
| 97012200 | 6% |
| 97012900 | 6% |
| 97019111 | 6% |
| 97019119 | 1% |
| 97019120 | 6% |
| 97019200 | 6% |
| 97019900 | 6% |
Resolve cultural-goods licensing before dispatch
A UK export licence is required to export cultural objects from Great Britain to any destination outside the UK. Check the GOV.UK art, antiques and cultural-goods guidance against each work to determine whether it falls within that requirement. Settle the licence position before arranging dispatch, and provide any required export licence to the carrier.
Prepare the UK declaration for each shipment
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, obtain a GB EORI and classify the works under the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing-list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licences or certificates. Agree the work descriptions with the importer so the UK paperwork and proposed Chinese tariff lines refer to the same goods.
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Check the Chinese buyer before committing stock
Ask a prospective importer which Chinese tariff lines it proposes for the works and how it will establish their entry requirements and landed cost. Compare its proposed classification with the works you are selling, particularly where it selects among 97019111, 97019119 and 97019120. Resolve these points before signing terms or sending stock.
If a Chinese importer has already approached your business, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. See our export-to-China service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UK export licence for an original painting?
A licence is required for cultural objects exported from Great Britain outside the UK. Check the art, antiques and cultural-goods guidance against the specific painting before dispatch.
What Chinese duty rate applies to my painting?
Classification matters: 97012100 has 4% MFN duty and a provisional 2026 rate of 0%. The 970191 lines have MFN rates of 6%, 1% or 6%. Agree the exact Chinese line with the importer.
Can I use cross-border e-commerce retail import for these works?
The supplied HS group 9701-9701 (6 subheadings) is absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Have the importer establish a suitable import route for the works.
Can you check a Chinese importer who has contacted me?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.