Sourcing stained glass panels from China
Architectural stained glass panels classed as leaded lights and the like carry 0% UK duty from China. Check whether the construction products rules cover the supplied assembly and settle its intended glazing location before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources architectural stained glass panels.
Duty on leaded stained glass panels
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7016 includes leaded lights and the like. The relevant line, 7016 90 10 00, carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line.
The table shows different applications of the same leaded-light tariff line. This guide concerns assembled architectural stained glass panels. For the other products within the heading, see glass blocks and glass mosaic.
Give your broker the assembly drawing, materials and details of any surrounding frame or sealed glazing unit. Confirm the commodity code for the goods as supplied before shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaded stained glass panels for fixed windows | 7016 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the artwork, leadwork and installation
Approve a full-size drawing showing the viewing face, panel outline, lead pattern and colour references. Specify whether colour comes from coloured glass, fired decoration or an applied finish. Agree glass texture, lead profile, perimeter construction, solder appearance, reinforcing bars and fixing positions. Keep an approved physical sample for comparison in transmitted daylight.
State whether the panel is an internal decorative insert, exposed external glazing or enclosed within a separate glazing assembly. Agree the frame rebate, fitting allowance, support and weatherproofing with the installer. For England, include an impact-safety review of low-level panels: the glazing guidance identifies low-level glazing in walls and partitions as a risk.
For Great Britain, establish whether a designated standard or UK technical assessment covers the supplied assembly before agreeing its construction-product documentation. The construction products regulations apply to those categories. Legitimately CE-marked construction products can continue to be supplied in Great Britain. Ask the supplier to identify the applicable route and provide supporting documents for the assembly being ordered.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A project batch of leaded stained glass window panels, illustrative under 7016 90 10 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Artwork and colour: compare panel orientation, pattern, glass texture and colour with the approved drawing and physical sample in transmitted daylight.
Dimensions and fit: measure the perimeter, diagonals and overall thickness against the agreed drawing; check bow, reinforcing bars and fixing positions against the receiving frame.
Leadwork and glass: inspect solder joints, loose pieces, open lead channels, cracked glass and edge damage. Compare cementing and surface finish with the approved sample.
Packing and arrival: check that panels cannot move within their supports and that packing separates glass faces and protects edges. Photograph crates before unpacking, then record damage and panel identities. Use the inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A panel can match the artwork yet fail to fit because the factory used opening dimensions as finished panel dimensions. Reversed viewing faces, substituted glass textures and uneven lead lines also change the installed appearance. Confirm the drawing with the installer and compare the production sample before approving the batch.
Cracked panes, loose joints and bowed panels can become apparent during unpacking or fitting. Record condition on arrival and agree how replacement glass and matching colours will be supplied. Specify any protective glazing as part of the installation design and review the complete assembly before ordering.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on stained glass panels from China?
Leaded lights and the like under 7016 90 10 00 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, read on 2 October 2026. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Can architectural stained glass panels use CE marking?
Legitimately CE-marked construction products can be supplied in Great Britain. Ask which construction-product route covers the supplied assembly and check the supporting documents.
What should I send a stained glass factory?
Send the artwork, viewing direction, finished panel dimensions, glass samples, lead profile, reinforcement details and receiving-frame drawing. Agree a physical sample before production.
How should I check stained glass panels on arrival?
Photograph the packing, identify each panel and inspect for cracks, bow, loose glass and damaged joints. Compare dimensions, colour and orientation with the approved drawing and sample.