Sourcing chalk from China
Natural chalk from China, in lumps or ground, pays 0% UK duty under the single code 2509 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Ground calcium carbonate from limestone and precipitated calcium carbonate are other headings, and chalk sticks and blackboard chalk are finished articles. Buyers check calcium carbonate content, whiteness, particle size and impurities.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 November 2026, heading 2509 covers chalk. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. New material clears the tariff's waste import control on a declaration that it is not waste under the retained waste shipments regulation.
Drawing and blackboard chalk sticks are finished articles; school and craft chalk is covered in our pencils, crayons and paint sets guide. Confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chalk | 2509 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying chalk
Specify calcium carbonate content, whiteness and brightness, particle size distribution, moisture, silica, iron and heavy metal limits, and packing. Chalk used in food, pharmaceuticals or animal feed must meet the rules for that use, so ask for the relevant grade certificate.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of ground chalk filler in bags under 2509 00 00 00, invoiced at £2,800 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,600, so it is £920. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Analysis: check calcium carbonate content and impurities on samples.
Physical: check whiteness and particle size against the specification.
Packing: check bags and moisture. See our quality inspection guide.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
Chalk orders fail on whiteness, grit and moisture. Whiteness is below the sample, sand or grit is present, and damp chalk cakes in the bag.
Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial minerals and materials for UK users from small lots; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on chalk from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 November 2026, chalk under 2509 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Is ground calcium carbonate in heading 2509?
Only natural chalk is; ground limestone and precipitated calcium carbonate are other headings.
Are chalk sticks in heading 2509?
No. Drawing and blackboard chalk sticks are finished articles classified elsewhere.
Can chalk be used in food or feed?
Only a grade certified for that use; ask for the grade certificate.