Sourcing ceramic stair nosing tiles from China
Ceramic stair nosing tiles from China carry 4% UK duty across the relevant lines, plus residual anti-dumping duty of 69.70% unless another treatment applies. For sale as construction products, arrange the manufacturer's performance declaration and marking. Specify the edge profile and tested finish. Cambridge China Bridge sources ceramic stair nosing tiles.
4% duty plus anti-dumping duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6907 covers ceramic tiles and finishing ceramics. All listed lines carry 4% duty for goods from China. Shaped nosing pieces and tread tiles need classification by their actual form; the table gives candidate lines rather than interchangeable codes. See the wider ceramic skirting tiles guide.
The snapshot records 69.70% residual anti-dumping duty and no listed suspensions. The published tile guide explains that named exporters can receive rates from 13.90% to 36.50% with the required invoice. Do not assume a long nosing qualifies for the large-format exclusion: check its dimensions, surface relief, exporter additional code and invoice before agreeing the landed cost.
The tariff attaches an import waste control and also lists waste export controls and a cultural-goods export licence flag. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste. For notified waste imported into England from China, the exporter starts the consent process in China; shipment requires consent from the Environment Agency and other authorities involved. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable controls and commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finishing ceramics, including shaped ceramic edge pieces | 6907 40 00 00 | 4% | 69.70% residual anti-dumping |
| Tread tiles with water absorption not exceeding 0.5% | 6907 21 00 00 | 4% | 69.70% residual anti-dumping |
| Tread tiles with water absorption over 0.5% but not exceeding 10% | 6907 22 00 00 | 4% | 69.70% residual anti-dumping |
| Tiles with water absorption over 10%; check suitability for stairs | 6907 23 00 00 | 4% | 69.70% residual anti-dumping |
Specify the nosing profile and walking surface
Specify a separate edge piece or an integral tread tile, with a drawing showing tread depth, thickness, nose projection, edge radius and any downstand. State the groove position, glazed or unglazed finish, shade and calibre, matching tread and riser tiles, and corner pieces. Approve an assembled sample so the tiler can check joint alignment and support beneath the projecting edge.
For ceramic tiles supplied as construction products, confirm with the relevant authority what declaration of performance and product marking requirements apply to the manufacturer. CE marking continues to be available for the Great Britain market. Request slip-test evidence for the actual walking surface, including its grooves and finish, and frost-resistance evidence for outdoor stairs. Agree the intended use before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pallet order of ceramic stair nosing tiles under 6907 40 00 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 4% is £180. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,680, so it is £936. Import taxes total £1,116; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £180 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Profile: measure sampled pieces against the drawing and assemble nosings with the matching tread and riser; check projection, straightness and joint alignment.
Walking surface: compare grooves, texture and glaze with the approved sample; match slip-test reports to the supplied finish.
Edges and shade: inspect noses and corners for chips, cracks and glaze defects; compare shade and calibre across cartons in daylight.
Arrival packing: check cushioning around projecting edges, carton condition and batch identification; record damage before mixing stock. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
A matching colour does not guarantee a matching profile. Different thicknesses or calibres leave uneven joints, while a bowed nose creates a visible step edge. Projecting lips chip when cartons allow pieces to strike each other. A glossy sample can also conceal that the supplied walking surface differs from the finish covered by the slip report.
Buyers can miss the anti-dumping duty or assume the factory's usual floor-tile code covers every shaped trim. Send the broker the profile drawing, material information and exporter details before ordering. Keep approved assembly samples and batch records so replacement nosings can be matched.
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 stair nosing tiles from China?
The relevant heading 6907 lines carry 4% duty, plus 69.70% residual anti-dumping duty. Confirm any exporter-specific rate or exclusion before ordering.
Which commodity code covers ceramic stair nosings?
6907 40 00 00 covers finishing ceramics and is a candidate for shaped edge pieces. Tread tiles may fall under absorption-based lines. Have the broker check the actual product.
What slip evidence should I ask the factory for?
Ask for the slip-test report for the exact walking surface and finish supplied. Check the grooves, glaze and intended wet or dry use against the approved sample.
How do I prevent chipped stair nosings?
Approve packing that separates pieces and cushions projecting noses and corners. Inspect samples before loading and record chips or broken edges when the shipment arrives.