Sourcing compound firework cakes from China

0% duty on compound firework cakes

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 3604 covers fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles. Compound firework cakes fall within the fireworks line, 3604 10 00 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. The product variants in the table share this tariff line. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.

The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For waste subject to notification controls, the exporter in China must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent. If a consignment involves waste or discarded cakes, ask the customs broker to confirm the applicable import requirements and any export restrictions before arranging movement.

Confirm the finished product's commodity code, using its construction and intended use. Import VAT is normally 20%. The order values accompanying this guide are illustrative. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method and our fireworks guide for the wider heading.

Specify the complete compound cake

Specify the complete linked assembly: cake layout, tube dimensions, shot count, straight or fan firing, effect sequence, firing duration, net explosive content, base construction and fuse connections between sections. Agree the finished assembly drawings and label artwork, rather than approving separate cakes and assuming their combination is covered.

Match the supplied construction and composition to the transport classification and conformity documents. Fireworks need classification before carriage in Great Britain; confirm with HSE whether classification by HSE or an ADR competent authority is needed. Confirm with the relevant authority the conformity-assessment and CE or UKCA marking requirements for sale, and whether the proposed storage needs an explosives licence or qualifies for a small-quantity exemption. Agree the dangerous goods carrier and storage arrangements before production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 compound firework cakes, illustrative order under 3604 10 00 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,000, so it is £4,800. 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

Assembly: compare tube layout, base support, section connections and fuse protection with the approved drawings; look for loose sections, crushed tubes or damp packaging.

Sequence: have a qualified fireworks testing provider compare the firing order, transitions, stability and effects with the approved specification; retain the test record against the production batch.

Labels: check the category, registration number, safety distance and English instructions against the approved artwork and conformity documents.

Traceability: match product references, carton identification and quantities to the paperwork. Record arrival damage and use an agreed inspection checklist.

What goes wrong

A demonstration video can conceal changes to tube layout, composition or section connections. Different construction or composition may fall outside the classification documents. Loose bases, damaged fuses and damp cartons are reasons to hold the affected stock for specialist assessment rather than accepting it against the video alone.

Orders also stall when the carrier has not accepted the dangerous goods or storage has not been arranged. Ask your customs broker whether customs needs the importer's name and address and the name and address of the storage premises. Check this information before dispatch, alongside the product paperwork.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.