Sourcing ceramic laboratory sinks from China
Ceramic laboratory sinks from China carry 6% UK duty across both listed material lines. Workplace articles fall under general workplace safety law where more specific product safety law does not apply. Specify chemical exposure, bench fit and drainage before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources ceramic laboratory sinks.
UK duty on ceramic laboratory sinks
Heading 6910 covers ceramic sinks and similar sanitary fixtures. For laboratory sinks classified here, porcelain or china falls under 6910 10 00 00; other ceramics fall under 6910 90 00 00. Installation variants in the table share these material codes. See the wider sanitaryware guide for the broader heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, both lines carried 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. Both attach an import waste control. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste; ask your customs broker to confirm the declaration for new sinks and any requirements for discarded or contaminated sinks from China. The records also list waste export controls and a cultural-object export licence control.
Confirm the ceramic body material, intended use and full product description with your customs broker using finding your commodity code. A laboratory description alone does not settle classification. Keep the drawing, material declaration and photographs with the classification enquiry.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain laboratory sinks for inset installation | 6910 10 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Other ceramic laboratory sinks for inset installation | 6910 90 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify chemical exposure and bench fit
Specify body material, glaze, bowl dimensions, rim profile, installation method, bench cut-out, support arrangement, outlet position and drain connection. State whether taps, waste fittings, seals and supports are included. Approve a sample against the installation drawing before accepting production.
List the chemicals, concentrations, temperatures and cleaning agents the sink will encounter. Ask for resistance test reports identifying the tested body and glaze, exposure conditions and results. Agree acceptance criteria for staining, surface attack and thermal cracking rather than accepting an unsupported chemical-resistance claim.
HSE states that general workplace safety law applies to articles for use at work where more specific product safety law does not apply. Ask for installation, safe-use and cleaning information, and have the applicable product rules checked for the intended installation through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of porcelain laboratory sinks under 6910 10 00 00, 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
Fit: measure the rim, bowl, outlet and fixing positions against the approved drawing; trial-fit the sink, support and drain assembly.
Glaze and body: inspect internal corners, rim edges and the underside for cracks, chips, pinholes and exposed body; compare finish with the approved sample.
Drainage: check the installed bowl drains without unintended pooling and check the assembled outlet and seals for leaks.
Arrival and packing: inspect opened crates for movement and impact damage, check separation and rim protection, and reconcile sink models and fittings with the packing list. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the report.
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What goes wrong
A sink can match its nominal size yet fail to fit the bench because the rim, cut-out or outlet position differs. A drain fitting that appears compatible can leave insufficient sealing contact. Resolve these interfaces with a sample assembly before approving the order.
Glaze damage, hidden cracks and poorly supported packing can turn a sound factory sample into unusable delivered stock. Chemical-resistance reports may concern a different glaze or omit the buyer's cleaning conditions. Match reports to the ordered model and document arrival damage before installation.
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 laboratory sinks from China?
Both listed heading 6910 lines carry 6% duty: porcelain or china and other ceramics. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension.
Are all laboratory ceramic products classified as sinks?
No. Provide the intended use, drawing and body material to your customs broker. This guide concerns laboratory sinks classified under heading 6910, rather than every ceramic article used in a laboratory.
How do I check a laboratory sink's chemical resistance?
Give the supplier your chemicals, concentrations, temperatures and cleaning conditions. Ask for reports covering the ordered body and glaze, then agree sample testing and acceptance criteria.
What should I check when ceramic laboratory sinks arrive?
Check cracks, chipped rims, glaze defects, bench fit, drain connections and supplied fittings. Photograph damaged packing and sinks before installation, and compare the shipment with the approved sample and drawing.