Sourcing carved gemstone figurines from China

2% duty on carved gemstone figurines

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 8 November 2026, heading 7116 covers articles of natural or cultured pearls and precious or semi-precious stones, including natural, synthetic and reconstructed material. Carved gemstone figurines fall within the other stone articles line, 7116 20 80 00. The table shows material examples using that same commodity line.

For goods from China, this line carries 2% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension shown in the supplied tariff record. The tariff attaches a Russia-sanctions restriction on entry into free circulation. Shipping from China does not by itself settle whether a prohibition applies. The importer should confirm the applicable requirement with their customs broker before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the stone identity, photographs and details of any attached base or other materials. The wider heading includes 0% pearl articles and qualifying simply strung natural-stone articles; see the pearl and gemstone jewellery guide. Those descriptions do not describe carved figurines.

Specify the stone and carving

Specify the mineral identity, whether natural, synthetic or reconstructed, and any dyeing, coating, impregnation or filling. Agree dimensions, weight range, pose, carving detail, polish, base flatness and acceptable colour variation against an approved sample. Ask the supplier to distinguish natural veins and inclusions from cracks, repairs and glued joints.

Get treatments in writing and reflect them in product descriptions; describing treated stone as untreated natural material is misleading. Consumer figurines supplied in Great Britain must be safe. Assess sharp points, unstable bases and parts that could break away. For uncertain material claims or safety questions, arrange testing and certification support.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 carved rose quartz figurines; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 7116 20 80 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £150 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,650. Duty at 2% is £53. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,703, so it is £540.60. Import taxes total £593.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £53 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the supplied material declaration to the order, and obtain independent identification where the stone claim affects acceptance.

Carving: compare the silhouette and details with the approved sample; inspect ears, tails, horns and other projections for chips and repairs.

Finish and stability: inspect polish, scratches, filled cracks and glue marks; check that the figurine stands securely on its intended surface.

Packing: check individual cushioning and separation, then inspect unpacked arrival samples for broken projections and rubbing damage. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.

What goes wrong

A sample can hide the variation in a production batch. Colour, veining and translucency may differ; resin or glass may be substituted for the specified gemstone, and filling may conceal fractures. Set acceptance criteria for natural variation separately from damage and undisclosed repairs.

Thin projections can break in transit, while uneven bases make display pieces rock. Approve packing around the actual carving, photograph goods before dispatch and inspect them after unpacking. Record damaged pieces by batch and compare them with the agreed sample before accepting replacements.

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.