How to export plastic household goods to China
To export plastic household goods to China, agree the import route and product requirements, classify the goods and arrange the UK declaration. The listed Chinese MFN duty is 6.5%, with import VAT also shaping landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Settle the import route before accepting an order
Plastic household goods and tableware fall under HS6 392410 and 392490, with Chinese tariff lines 39241000 and 39249000. Agree the intended use, route and product requirements with the importer's customs broker. GACC Decree 280 covers overseas food manufacturers, so its registration does not apply to these goods. The largest UK export line is under HS 39241000, Tableware and kitchenware, of plastics: £16.1m in 2025.
HMRC recorded £17.0m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 392410, 392490 in 2025 (2024: £11.2m, +51.5%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £201k. January to July 2026: £10.3m against £8.6m in the same months of 2025 (+19.5%).
Build duty and VAT into the importer's buying price
The listed MFN duty is 6.5% for both Chinese lines. Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to the VAT Law's exceptions, and is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these goods. Duty and VAT add to landed cost, shaping the price the importer can offer your brand.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 39241000 | 6.5% |
| 39249000 | 6.5% |
Prepare the UK classification and declaration
Check the UK commodity code for each item: HS6 392410 covers plastic tableware and kitchenware; 392490 covers other plastic household and toilet articles. Exporting from England, Scotland or Wales requires a GB EORI and an online export declaration. Give the declarant the code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any required export licences or certificates.
Use cross-border retail for personal-use sales
The cross-border e-commerce retail import list includes 39241000 and 39249000. Through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels, listed goods are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements. Exceptions apply to goods from suspended epidemic areas and goods subject to emergency handling for major quality or safety risks. This route serves consumers buying for personal use; the goods may not be resold.
Your overseas business carries the main quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. Before ordering, consumers must accept a risk notice covering origin-country standards, possible differences from Chinese standards, possible absence of Chinese labels with a Chinese electronic label available online, and the personal-use restriction.
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Check the Chinese partner before sending stock
Ask a prospective importer to explain its route for these goods and how it will resolve product requirements and landed costs. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your brand, 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 any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partners in China; your brand's own filings remain yours. We check with licensed partners. Use our export-to-China service to arrange the partner check and preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Which HS code covers plastic tableware exported to China?
HS6 392410 covers plastic tableware and kitchenware, with Chinese tariff line 39241000. Other plastic household and toilet articles fall under HS6 392490 and Chinese line 39249000.
What Chinese duty applies to plastic household goods?
The listed MFN duty is 6.5% for 39241000 and 39249000. Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to statutory exceptions. Have the importer's adviser confirm the full tax treatment.
Does plastic kitchenware need GACC food-manufacturer registration?
GACC Decree 280 covers overseas food producers, processors and storage enterprises. Its food-manufacturer registration does not apply to plastic kitchenware.
Can I sell plastic household goods through cross-border e-commerce?
Both Chinese tariff lines are on the retail import list. This is a personal-use route, with no resale allowed. The overseas seller must appoint a mainland-registered company and retain its quality and safety responsibilities.