Sourcing artificial aquarium plants from China
Artificial aquarium plants from China carry 4% UK duty under both material lines of heading 6702, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Consumer products must be safe; agree submerged-use checks for leaves, coatings and bases before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources artificial aquarium plants.
UK duty and material classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6702 covers artificial flowers, foliage and fruit, their parts and articles made from them. For artificial aquarium plants within this heading, the plastic and other-material lines both carry 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions.
The other-material line carries CITES import and export controls. Official guidance requires a permit for species listed in Annex A, B or C. If an aquarium plant incorporates natural material, identify its species and ask your customs broker to confirm the documents required for the shipment from China. The tariff flag alone does not establish that every artificial plant needs a permit.
Confirm the commodity code using the materials and complete construction, including any weighted base. The table shows product variants sharing the supplied tariff lines. For the wider heading, see the artificial flowers and plants guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic artificial aquarium plants with weighted bases | 6702 10 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Artificial aquarium plants of other materials | 6702 90 00 00 | 4% | None |
Leaves, weighted bases and submerged use
Specify leaf and stem materials, coatings, adhesive, internal wire and base composition. Record plant height, leaf flexibility, colours, base shape and how stems attach. State whether the range is intended for freshwater or saltwater aquariums, and agree the water conditions and cleaning method used during sample assessment.
Approve a complete plant in water rather than foliage alone. Check whether the base stays submerged, the leaves recover after packing and stems remain attached during cleaning. Request evidence supporting submerged-use claims for the actual materials supplied. A clear soak sample alone does not establish safety for fish.
Consumer products must be safe. Review sharp moulding edges, exposed wire and detachable pieces alongside the intended use. Retain the approved sample and material specification for quality inspection, and agree specialist assessment of coatings and adhesives where their suitability for aquarium use is uncertain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed consignment of plastic artificial aquarium plants for a pet retailer under 6702 10 00 00, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,000. Duty at 4% is £1,120. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,120, so it is £5,824. Import taxes total £6,944; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,120 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Leaves and stems: compare colour, shape and flexibility with the retained sample; bend stems and check for splits, sharp edges and exposed wire.
Bases and attachment: check cracked or crumbling bases, loose stems and exposed adhesive; place complete plants in water to check stability and buoyancy.
Water exposure: use the agreed sample conditions and check colour transfer, cloudy water, surface films, coating changes and loosening joints; compare supporting reports with the supplied materials.
Packing and assortment: check plant counts, colour mix and base protection; unpack compressed foliage and check that it recovers without broken leaves or permanent folds.
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What goes wrong
A plant can look acceptable when dry but float, lean or lose leaves when submerged. Bases may crack during transport, while tightly packed foliage can retain folds. Inspect complete production plants and repeat the agreed water and cleaning checks before shipment.
Material substitutions can change flexibility, coating behaviour or adhesive performance. Record the approved materials and ask the supplier to disclose changes before production. Treat colour bleeding, surface films and exposed wire as issues to investigate; do not rely on an unsupported aquarium-safe label.
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 artificial aquarium plants from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 4% under both material lines of heading 6702, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.
How do I check artificial aquarium plants before ordering?
Approve complete samples in the intended water conditions. Check leaf flexibility, colour transfer, stem attachment and base stability, and request evidence supporting submerged-use claims.
Do artificial aquarium plants need CITES permits?
The other-material tariff line carries CITES controls. If natural material is included, identify its species and ask your broker whether permits are required. Do not assume the flag applies to every artificial plant.
Can the same artificial plants be used in freshwater and saltwater?
Ask for evidence covering each intended use. Agree sample checks for the relevant water conditions, coatings, adhesives and any internal wire before accepting the range.