Sourcing basalt cobblestone setts from China

Zero duty on basalt paving setts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6801 covers setts, curbstones and flagstones of natural stone other than slate. Basalt cobblestone setts within this heading carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

The finish descriptions in the table share the same commodity line; they are purchasing variants rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider stone paving, setts and kerbs guide for other products within this heading.

Confirm the commodity code using photographs, dimensions, intended use and the extent of working. Heavily worked paving with polished faces can fall under heading 6802, so do not classify it from the supplier's product name alone.

Specify the basalt and walking surface

Specify the stone name, petrographic description, quarry identity, colour range, dimensions and thickness tolerance. Agree which faces are split or sawn, the walking-surface finish and acceptable edge damage. Keep approved samples showing the permitted variation, rather than relying on a photograph of wet stone.

Confirm with the relevant authority whether the external paving setts are covered by BS EN 1342 and need a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. CE marking remains available for construction products supplied in Great Britain. Ask for slip resistance, freeze-thaw, abrasion and water absorption results relevant to the intended use, with reports identifying the stone and finish being ordered.

Solid wood pallets and crates used to import into Great Britain must meet ISPM15. Put that packaging requirement in the order alongside pallet strength, strapping and protection against stone movement.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of palletised basalt cobblestone setts under 6801 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,500, so it is £2,500. 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

Stone: compare dry setts with retained samples in daylight; check colour variation, cracks, veins and rust spots across pallets.

Dimensions: measure length, width and thickness against the agreed tolerances; check that uneven undersides and damaged edges will not prevent the intended laying pattern.

Surface: compare the walking face with the approved finish and the product identified in the slip-resistance report; inspect for inconsistent treatment.

Documents and packing: match the declaration of performance and marking to the supplied setts; check pallet condition, strapping and broken pieces before unloading. Use an agreed inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A quarry or stone batch changes after sample approval, bringing a different colour range, staining or weaker material. Split faces vary in height, thickness drifts and edge damage disrupts joints. These problems increase sorting and laying work even when the shipment clears customs without duty.

A report for a different stone or finish does not establish the ordered setts' performance. Finish variation can change slip resistance, while unsuitable stone can crack or spall after frost. Compare the reports with the actual order before shipment, then record damage and pallet identity on arrival.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.