Sourcing ceramic wall plaques from China
Ceramic decorative wall plaques from China carry UK duty of 2% to 6%, depending on the ceramic body. Plaques sold to consumers in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Check hanging attachments, sharp edges and transit protection. Cambridge China Bridge sources ceramic decorative wall plaques.
UK duty on ceramic decorative wall plaques
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 19 October 2026, heading 6913 covers statuettes and other ornamental ceramic articles. For decorative wall plaques from China, common pottery carries 2%; porcelain or china, earthenware or fine pottery and other ceramics carry 6%. The supplied tariff lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions.
The tariff attaches cat and dog fur and waste import controls. Products made with cat or dog fur are banned from import. For a shipment from China to England subject to waste notification controls, the process starts in the dispatch country. Ask your customs broker to confirm the waste classification and applicable requirements before shipping. The data also lists cultural-object licensing and fur and waste controls for exports.
Confirm the body material, decorative function and hand-made status before selecting the commodity code. For the wider product family, see ceramic ornaments and figurines.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-made porcelain or china wall plaques | 6913 10 00 10 | 6% | None |
| Other porcelain or china wall plaques | 6913 10 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Hand-made common pottery wall plaques | 6913 90 10 10 | 2% | None |
| Other common pottery wall plaques | 6913 90 10 90 | 2% | None |
| Other earthenware or fine pottery wall plaques | 6913 90 93 90 | 6% | None |
| Other ceramic wall plaques, such as stoneware | 6913 90 98 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the plaque and hanging attachment
Specify the ceramic body, finished dimensions, thickness, weight and acceptable variation. Agree a physical master sample for glaze colour, relief detail, lettering and decal position. State whether the plaque is intended for indoor display or outdoor exposure, and agree tests reflecting that use.
Detail the hanging holes, rear recess, wire, cord or bonded hanger. Agree attachment tests with the finished plaque and intended mounting arrangement. Consumer plaques sold in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Include mounting instructions and protective packing in the purchasing specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,000 porcelain decorative wall plaques under 6913 10 00 90, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 6% is £1,050. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,550, so it is £3,710. Import taxes total £4,760; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,050 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Body and shape: check delivered plaques for cracks, chipped corners, sharp edges and firing distortion; compare dimensions and rear clearance with the approved sample.
Glaze and artwork: check for pinholes, unintended crazing, bare patches, blurred lettering and misplaced decals; compare colour and relief detail with the master sample.
Hanging attachment: inspect holes and bonded joints for cracks or loose parts; test the agreed mounting arrangement and check that the plaque hangs in the intended orientation.
Packing: check that faces, corners and projecting hangers are cushioned and separated; inspect plaques after the agreed carton drop test and repeat damage checks on arrival.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A display sample can hide a weak hanger or a warped back. In production, attachment holes may shift, bonded hangers may loosen and glaze can pool around raised lettering. Packing that protects the face may still leave corners or rear fittings exposed.
Approve the complete plaque with its hanger and retail packing, then inspect production against that sample. Record arrival damage by carton and design before accepting replacement proposals. See quality inspection explained.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on ceramic wall plaques from China?
Common pottery plaques carry 2%; porcelain or china, earthenware or fine pottery and other ceramics carry 6%. The supplied tariff lines list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties.
What should I specify for the hanging fitting?
Specify its material, position, attachment method and intended mounting arrangement. Agree a test using the finished plaque, and inspect holes, joints and orientation.
Can I order ceramic plaques for outdoor use?
Specify outdoor exposure explicitly. Agree suitable weathering and attachment tests before ordering; an indoor display sample does not establish outdoor performance.
How do I reduce broken plaques on arrival?
Separate each plaque, cushion corners and protect projecting hangers. Approve the packed sample, inspect after the agreed drop test and check delivered cartons for damage.