Sourcing ceramic shower trays from China

UK duty on ceramic shower trays

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 6910 covers ceramic sanitary fixtures, including similar fixtures alongside sinks, washbasins and baths. For ceramic shower trays, the supplied facts contain only the porcelain or china line and the other-ceramics line. Related fixtures are covered in our ceramic Belfast sinks guide.

Both listed lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Confirm the body material and commodity code before ordering.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control for waste. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste; ask your customs broker to confirm the declaration or documents required for new trays from China. The snapshot also lists a cultural-object export licence control and a waste export control. Ask the broker to confirm their relevance if you plan to re-export the goods.

Specify the tray, outlet and installation

Specify the ceramic body, shape, overall dimensions, height, rim profile, outlet position and diameter, glaze colour and surface texture. Agree tolerances against a drawing and retain an approved sample. State whether the drain fitting is included, and trial the tray with the intended trap, enclosure and supporting base.

For Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority whether a designated standard or UK technical assessment covers the construction product and what declaration of performance and conformity marking are needed; compliant CE-marked products are also accepted. Confirm importer identification and manufacturer-compliance checks with the relevant authority before sale. Ask for documents matching the actual tray model and intended use, with test evidence for any slip-resistance claim.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 50 ceramic shower trays (illustrative order) 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

Body and glaze: inspect the underside, rim and outlet for cracks, chips and glaze defects; compare colour and texture with the approved sample.

Fit and support: measure dimensions and outlet position against the drawing, check rim flatness, and trial the supplied drain fitting on the intended support.

Drainage: run water across a supported sample and check for pooling, leakage at the outlet and rough areas that hold dirt.

Packing and arrival: check cushioning around corners and outlets, model labels and pallet counts; photograph damage before moving unpacked trays. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A warped rim can leave gaps against the enclosure, while an outlet in the wrong position can clash with the trap or floor structure. A tray may look sound from above but have cracks underneath or chips hidden by packing. Poor drainage can leave standing water after use.

Approve a fitted sample before production and check finished trays against the drawing. Keep model and batch records with the inspection photographs, and agree how damaged or mismatched trays will be handled 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.