Sourcing carved gemstone chess sets from China

Duty on carved gemstone chess sets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 7116 covers articles of natural or cultured pearls and natural, synthetic or reconstructed precious or semi-precious stones. For gemstone chess articles classified as other stone articles, 7116 20 80 00 carries 2% duty from China. The supplied facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches a restriction on entry into free circulation relating to Russia sanctions to this stone line. Official guidance warns that shipment from somewhere other than Russia does not necessarily remove a prohibition. Obtain material-origin records and ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the proposed China shipment.

The table shows material variants sharing the same tariff line. Confirm the commodity code using the actual stone identity, board material and contents of the complete set. Do not assume every product sold as stone chess belongs here. See carved gemstone figurines for the wider product family.

Specify the stone, carving and board

Specify the actual mineral rather than a colour or trade name. Record whether it is natural, synthetic or reconstructed, and ask for written disclosure of dye, resin filling and repairs. Agree acceptable colour and veining variation against an approved sample.

Define each piece silhouette, height, base diameter, stability and polish. Specify contrasting sides, board square size, board construction, felt backing and individual packing cavities. Agree how replacement pieces will match the original set.

Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe. If the set is a toy, the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 set essential safety requirements before sale in Great Britain. Resolve the intended users and safety assessment before approving production; use testing and certification when needed.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 200 carved gemstone chess sets, illustrative only, subject to classification under 7116 20 80 00, invoiced at £45,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £46,500. Duty at 2% is £930. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £47,430, so it is £9,486. Import taxes total £10,416; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £930 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: compare the material and treatment declaration with the approved sample; arrange independent identification where the claimed gemstone determines acceptance.

Completeness and contrast: check every piece against the packing list, distinguish the opposing sides and confirm that replacement pieces match.

Carving and stability: inspect thin necks, projecting details, chips, repaired cracks and sharp edges; place pieces on the supplied board to check rocking and fit.

Packing and arrival: check separated cavities, cushioning and board protection; record damaged cartons and inspect contents before accepting stock. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A colour name can conceal a different mineral, dyed stone or resin-bound material. Excessive colour variation can make opposing sides hard to distinguish. Thin carved details can break, uneven bases can wobble, and poorly bonded felt can detach.

A sample may look acceptable while production pieces have filled cracks or travel loose against the board. Make material identity, acceptable repairs and packing part of the purchase specification, and inspect a packed production set before dispatch.

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.