Sourcing bolster pillows from China

Bolster pillow duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, filled bolster pillows fall within heading 9404, which covers stuffed bedding and similar furnishing articles. Feather or down fillings use 9404 90 10 00; other fillings use 9404 90 90 00. Both carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension on these lines.

The tariff attaches an import control on cat and dog fur. Importing or selling pillows containing such fur is prohibited, with no derogations. Ask the supplier to identify any animal-derived cover or filling. The records also list cat-and-dog-fur export control and a DCMS export-licence measure; ask your customs broker to confirm their relevance if you plan to re-export.

Give your broker the filling composition, primary-cover details and photographs to confirm the commodity code. The table repeats the relevant codes by filling type. For the wider product family, see cushion inserts. For breastfeeding pillows, see our nursing pillow sourcing guide.

Specify the cylinder, filling and primary cover

Agree the finished length, diameter, end shape, firmness and filling weight against an approved sample. State whether the bolster has a foam core or loose filling, and distinguish the primary cover holding the filling from a removable decorative cover. Specify end-panel stitching, piping, zip position and care instructions.

Confirm with the relevant authority whether domestic bolster pillows fall within the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and which filling ignitability tests or permitted alternatives apply. Match the fire-test evidence to the actual filling and construction, and check applicable labelling requirements. Arrange testing and certification before approving production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 400 polyester-filled bolster pillows, illustrative only under 9404 90 90 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,500. Duty at 2% is £190. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,690, so it is £1,938. Import taxes total £2,128; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £190 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Shape: measure length and diameter after unpacking and recovery; check that the cylinder is straight and the ends match the approved sample.

Filling: compare filling weight and firmness with the specification; check for hollow ends, hard lumps, feather leakage and uneven distribution.

Construction: inspect end seams, piping and zip operation; check that the removable cover fits without flattening or bending the bolster.

Arrival: open samples from different cartons; check recovery, dampness, mould, odour and care-label accuracy before releasing stock.

What goes wrong

A bolster can look correct in a photograph but arrive flattened, bent or underfilled. Loose filling migrates away from the ends, foam fails to recover after compression, and tight decorative covers distort the cylinder. Compare unpacked production samples with the approved sample and agree how recovery will be assessed.

A supplier may change the filling or primary cover after testing. Require written approval for material changes and review whether the existing test evidence still covers the revised construction. Check washed removable covers for shrinkage, colour transfer and seam distortion.

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.