How to export sculptures from the UK to China
Check the work’s classification, UK cultural-goods licensing and Chinese entry requirements before shipping. The four Chinese tariff lines carry 1% MFN duty; import VAT also affects the buyer’s landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Confirm the route before accepting an order
For sculptures and original prints, start with the work’s form and age, check whether UK cultural-goods licensing applies, and have the Chinese importer confirm entry requirements with its customs broker. The four tariff lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so do not build your sales proposal around that route.
HMRC recorded £5.5m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 970210, 970290, 970310, 970390 in 2025 (2024: £17.9m, -69.4%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £21.7m. January to July 2026: £2.0m against £2.6m in the same months of 2025 (-23.6%).
The largest UK export line to mainland China was 97039000, original sculptures excluding those over 100 years old: £5.2m under HS 970390 in 2025. When approaching a buyer, establish whether its business suits the particular works you make.
Classify each work by form and age
HS 970210 covers original engravings, prints and lithographs over 100 years old; HS 970290 covers those excluding works over 100 years old. Original sculptures and statuary in any material fall under HS 970310 when over 100 years old, or HS 970390 otherwise. The corresponding Chinese tariff lines are 97021000, 97029000, 97031000 and 97039000. Give the importer clear information about how each work was made and its age.
Build border taxes into the buyer’s price
Each of the four Chinese tariff lines carries a 1% MFN rate. Duty and import VAT add to the importer’s landed cost and therefore affect the price it can offer you.
The VAT Law sets a 13% standard rate for imported goods, subject to its exceptions. Import VAT is calculated by adding customs value, customs duty and consumption tax, then multiplying by the applicable VAT rate. The importer’s customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the work.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 97021000 | 1% |
| 97029000 | 1% |
| 97031000 | 1% |
| 97039000 | 1% |
Resolve UK licensing before dispatch
A UK export licence is required for cultural objects exported from Great Britain to any destination outside the UK. Check the sculpture or print against the GOV.UK cultural-goods guidance before committing to shipment, including for works outside the over-100-years-old tariff lines.
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, you need a GB EORI number and the correct commodity code. The online export declaration needs the work’s value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licence or certificate.
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Check the Chinese buyer before sending stock
Ask a prospective importer to explain how it will classify your works, confirm the entry requirements and calculate landed cost. Agree which works the order covers and who will arrange the export declaration before signing; the sculpture’s material and age must match the information used for classification.
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. See our export support service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an export licence for a sculpture?
Cultural objects exported from Great Britain require a UK export licence. Check your sculpture against the GOV.UK cultural-goods guidance before shipping; its tariff age category alone does not settle the question.
What Chinese duty applies to original prints?
Chinese tariff lines 97021000 and 97029000 each carry 1% MFN duty. The distinction is whether the original print is over 100 years old.
Can I sell sculptures through cross-border e-commerce?
The four Chinese tariff lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Have the Chinese importer confirm a suitable import route before accepting orders on that basis.
What details are needed for the UK export declaration?
For the sculpture or print, provide the correct commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. The declarant also needs an EORI number.