Sourcing barber hand mirrors from China

UK duty on glass barber hand mirrors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7009 covers glass mirrors, whether or not framed, including vehicle rear-view mirrors. This guide covers non-electrical glass barber hand mirrors and replacement mirror glass. See the magnifying makeup mirror guide for related products within the wider heading.

Framed glass mirrors under 7009 92 00 00 and other unframed glass mirrors under 7009 91 00 90 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The authorised-use suspension elsewhere in the heading concerns a specified vehicle mirror.

The table repeats the framed code for different product variants; these are not separate tariff lines. Confirm the commodity code from the reflecting material, framing and complete construction. A plastic reflecting surface needs separate classification checking.

Specify the reflection, frame and handle

Specify the mirror outline, viewing area, glass thickness, flat reflection, frame material, handle length and grip shape. Approve a sample while showing the back of a haircut using the salon wall mirror. Check that the customer can hold it comfortably and see the intended view without noticeable distortion.

Agree how the glass is retained, whether safety backing is fitted, how the handle joins the frame and how exposed edges are protected. Give the factory the cleaning products used in the salon and agree sample checks for coating damage, softening, cracking and loss of print after cleaning.

General product safety rules in Great Britain cover products intended or foreseeably likely to be used by consumers, and applicable mirrors must be safe. Assess glass breakage, exposed edges and handle failure in the intended use. Keep the approved sample and record the agreed checks before production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 120 framed glass barber hand mirrors; FOB value and freight are illustrative. under 7009 92 00 00, invoiced at £1,200 free on board, with £120 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,320. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,320, so it is £264. 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

Reflection: compare reflected straight lines with the approved sample; check distortion, scratches, coating blemishes and black spots around the edges.

Glass retention: check cracks, chips, exposed edges, backing adhesion and movement of the glass inside the frame.

Handle and finish: check the handle joint under the agreed load, grip comfort, moulding seams, sharp edges and resistance to the agreed cleaning products.

Packing: check face protection and cushioning around the handle joint; inspect arriving cartons for impacts and compare breakage with the agreed packing sample.

What goes wrong

A mirror can look acceptable in a photograph but distort a haircut when held at an angle. Weak handle joints, loose glass and rough moulding seams can also escape a visual sample review. Assess the complete mirror in use and include these checks in the inspection plan.

Cleaning can damage printed logos, frame finishes or exposed mirror backing. In transit, a projecting handle can act as a lever against the frame if the packing leaves it unsupported. Approve the cleaning method and packed sample, then compare production goods and arrival condition with those records.

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.