Sourcing ceramic fermentation weights from China
Ceramic fermentation weights from China carry ordinary UK duty of 4% to 8% on the candidate kitchenware lines, plus residual anti-dumping duty of 36.10%. Confirm classification and applicable food-contact requirements, including lead and cadmium evidence and a written declaration. Cambridge China Bridge sources ceramic fermentation weights.
Duty and classification for fermentation weights
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 6912 covers ceramic tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and toilet articles other than porcelain or china. The table selects candidate kitchenware lines for fermentation weights. Confirm the ceramic body, manufacturing method and whether weights are imported separately or with a crock through our commodity code guide. See the ceramic fermentation crocks guide for the wider heading and complete sets.
For Chinese-origin goods, the selected common-pottery and stoneware lines carry ordinary duty of 4%, earthenware or fine pottery 8%, and other ceramics 6%. Each selected line shows residual anti-dumping duty of 36.10%, with no countervailing duty or suspension. Check the exporter's applicable company rate before ordering. Treat these as candidate classifications rather than a binding decision for separately supplied weights.
The tariff attaches import waste control, export waste control and a cultural-object export licence entry. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste. For a shipment from China classified as waste, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import requirements. Waste under notification controls can be shipped to England only after consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved. Confirm the export entries if subsequently exporting. This guide concerns new fermentation weights for business import into Great Britain.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-made common-pottery fermentation weights, subject to classification | 6912 00 21 11 | 4% | 36.10% residual anti-dumping |
| Other common-pottery fermentation weights, subject to classification | 6912 00 21 91 | 4% | 36.10% residual anti-dumping |
| Stoneware fermentation weights, subject to classification | 6912 00 23 10 | 4% | 36.10% residual anti-dumping |
| Earthenware or fine-pottery fermentation weights, subject to classification | 6912 00 25 10 | 8% | 36.10% residual anti-dumping |
| Other non-porcelain ceramic fermentation weights, subject to classification | 6912 00 29 10 | 6% | 36.10% residual anti-dumping |
Specify crock fit, weight and food-contact surfaces
Specify the ceramic body, glazed or unglazed finish, overall dimensions, thickness and mass of the complete weight set. For split designs, approve the pieces together and define their gap. Supply the intended crock or its opening and internal profile. Check that the weights pass through the mouth, hold the intended contents beneath brine and can be lifted out without scraping the crock.
Confirm applicable lead and cadmium migration limits, written declaration of compliance and supporting test documentation requirements with the relevant authority. Ask the laboratory to assess the actual weights, including glaze, decoration and exposed ceramic, with acidic brine and prolonged contact described. Match documents to the supplied finish. Agree cleaning instructions and verify any dishwasher claim on production samples.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 sets of stoneware fermentation weights; confirm classification and anti-dumping treatment separately under 6912 00 23 10, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,600. Duty at 4% is £304. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,904, so it is £1,580.80. Import taxes total £1,884.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £304 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit and handling: insert and remove sampled sets in the intended crock; check clearance, lifting recesses and whether pieces jam or scrape.
Dimensions and mass: compare each piece and assembled set with the approved drawing and sample; check coverage over the intended contents.
Surfaces and cleaning: inspect edges and recesses for chips, cracks, crazing, pinholes and rough patches; check that the agreed cleaning method reaches every recess.
Documents and packing: match compliance evidence to the supplied body and finish; check separators prevent ceramic contact and inspect arrival packs for concealed breakage.
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What goes wrong
Firing shrinkage can leave production weights too wide for the crock opening or too small to cover the contents. A heavy set can still be awkward to remove if its lifting recesses are shallow. Approve the weights in the intended crock, rather than approving an isolated sample.
Pieces that touch in transit can chip along their mating edges. Glaze crazing or a substituted finish can also leave the delivered batch poorly matched to its supporting evidence. Retain the approved sample, protect pieces separately and record arrival damage before releasing stock. Use our quality inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.
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 fermentation weights from China?
The candidate kitchenware lines carry ordinary duty of 4% to 8%, plus residual anti-dumping duty of 36.10%. Confirm the code and the exporter's applicable company rate.
What food-contact documents should I request?
Request the applicable written declaration of compliance and supporting lead and cadmium evidence. Confirm requirements with the relevant authority and match documents to the actual weights, body and finish.
How do I check whether fermentation weights fit my crock?
Try the complete set in the intended crock. Check passage through the opening, coverage over the contents, clearance and removal using the lifting recesses.
Can glazed and unglazed weights use the same test report?
Do not assume they can. Ask the laboratory to confirm the report's coverage for each body and finish, describing acidic brine, prolonged contact and the intended cleaning method.