Sourcing backgammon sets from China
Backgammon sets from China normally fall under 9504 90 80 00, with duty fixed at 0%. Consumer sets must be safe; for sets intended for children, confirm whether toy rules apply with the relevant authority. Specify the board, checkers, dice and case before approving a sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources backgammon sets.
UK duty on backgammon sets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 9504 covers table and parlour games alongside other games equipment. Ordinary backgammon sets fit the other-games line, 9504 90 80 00, carrying 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line.
The tariff attaches ivory import control and CITES control to this line. Listed ivory species require an exemption for dealing, including commercial imports. If a set contains CITES-listed material, apply for the relevant permit and contact the Chinese management authority for corresponding export documents. Confirm the material-specific requirements with your customs broker before ordering; specify ivory-free components.
Confirm the commodity code against the complete set and its materials. The table shows product variants sharing the same tariff line. For related games within the wider heading, see the chess sets guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden backgammon sets | 9504 90 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the board, checkers and folding case
Write down the open and closed dimensions, board substrate, veneer or covering, playing-surface finish, point layout and colours. Specify checker diameter, thickness, material and colour, dice, doubling cube, cups and storage compartments. Agree the complete packing list and keep an approved finished sample.
Check that checkers fit comfortably along the points and inside their storage spaces. Specify hinge alignment, closure fit, handle attachment and protection between loose accessories and the playing surface. Name the actual material behind descriptions such as leather or ivory colour, and forbid substitutions without approval.
UK importers of consumer products are responsible for their safety and applicable labelling. For a set designed or intended for children's play, confirm whether toy rules apply with the relevant authority. Establish the intended users before arranging testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 folding backgammon sets; illustrative order values under 9504 90 80 00, invoiced at £6,500 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,000, so it is £1,400. 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
Board: check flatness, point alignment, surface adhesion, colour against the sample and any exposed sharp edges or splinters.
Components: count checkers, dice, doubling cube and cups against the agreed packing list; check matching sizes, legible markings and smooth checker edges.
Case: open and close the hinges and catches, check handle security, and confirm that the loaded case closes without crushing components.
Packing: open packed cartons, look for dampness, rub marks and displaced accessories, and compare labels and instructions with the approved artwork.
What goes wrong
A set can look correct in photographs but arrive with warped boards, peeling covering, uneven checkers or loose catches. Missing dice and cups can also escape inspection when only empty cases are checked. Inspect packed, complete sets against the approved sample and record defects before dispatch.
Vague material descriptions invite substitutions that change appearance, durability and the controls that need checking. Keep a component-level material list and approve changes in writing. Use the quality inspection guide to plan the checks.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on backgammon sets from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for 9504 90 80 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Confirm that code for your complete set.
Are backgammon sets covered by toy rules?
For sets designed or intended for children's play, confirm whether toy rules apply with the relevant authority. Establish the intended users before planning testing and warnings.
Can I import backgammon sets containing ivory?
Do not assume they can be imported for sale. Listed ivory species require an exemption for dealing, and CITES requirements may also apply. Confirm eligibility and documents before ordering.
What should I inspect before shipment?
Check board flatness, covering adhesion, checker consistency, component counts, hinge and catch operation, and the condition of complete packed sets.