Sourcing badminton rackets from China
Badminton rackets from China carry 2% UK duty, whether strung or unstrung, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. Consumer rackets sold in Great Britain must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Agree frame, grip and stringing specifications before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources badminton rackets.
2% duty on badminton rackets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, badminton rackets under 9506 59 00 00 carried 2% duty for goods from China. Heading 9506 covers sports and exercise equipment; this guide covers badminton rackets only. The table shows buying variants within the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension for this line. It attaches a DCMS export licence measure. Ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to your transaction and any applicable documentation.
Confirm the commodity code against the actual goods before ordering, especially where the shipment includes accessories. The tennis racket guide covers the neighbouring racket family.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strung badminton rackets | 9506 59 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the frame, balance and stringing
Specify frame and shaft materials separately, racket weight in its agreed strung or unstrung condition, balance point, shaft flexibility, handle size, grip material and finish. Keep an approved sample and agree tolerances with the factory. A carbon-fibre description should identify which parts use that material.
For strung rackets, name the string material, stringing pattern and agreed tension. Ask the maker to substantiate its recommended tension range using the actual frame and grommets. Agree replacement grommets, grip wrapping, artwork and individual protection inside cartons.
For consumer rackets supplied in Great Britain, the importer must ensure product safety before placing them on the market. Where reasonable, the product or packaging must identify the producer's name and address and the product reference or batch. Plan safety checks around frame fracture, loose handles, sharp edges and damaged grommets.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 badminton rackets, illustrative order under 9506 59 00 00, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 2% is £350. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,850, so it is £3,570. Import taxes total £3,920; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £350 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Frame: check straightness, cracks, joint security, surface finish, weight and balance against the approved specification.
Strings and grommets: check the stringing pattern, measured tension, knots and seating; reject split grommets or strings cutting against exposed frame edges.
Handle: check grip size, wrapping, adhesion and end-cap security; compare shaft flexibility and handle movement with the approved sample.
Identification and packing: check producer details and product or batch references where reasonable, artwork and carton contents; open arrival cartons to check crushed frames and scuffed finishes.
What goes wrong
Risks to check include substituted frame materials, inconsistent balance, loose handle joints, grip adhesive lifting and poorly seated grommets. Excessive stringing tension can expose weak frames. A good-looking sample does not establish that the production batch matches its construction.
Record defects against the agreed specification and inspect production rackets before shipment, then check for transit damage on arrival. Keep affected stock separate while the supplier investigates. Use the quality inspection guide to agree what the inspector should record.
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 badminton rackets from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 2% under 9506 59 00 00, whether strung or unstrung, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded.
Do unstrung badminton rackets use a different code?
The supplied line covers badminton and similar rackets whether or not strung. Confirm the actual goods under 9506 59 00 00 before shipment.
What should I specify for carbon-fibre badminton rackets?
Identify frame and shaft materials separately, then agree weight, balance, shaft flexibility, grip size, stringing and tolerances against an approved sample.
What safety information must badminton racket packaging carry?
For consumer rackets in Great Britain, traceability requires the producer's name and address and a product reference or batch on the product or packaging, where reasonable.