Sourcing convex traffic safety mirrors from China
Convex glass traffic safety mirrors from China carry 0% UK duty, whether framed or unframed, with no listed trade remedy. Mirrors for consumer use must be safe under general product safety rules. Specify the viewing position, curvature and secure mounting. Cambridge China Bridge sources convex traffic safety mirrors.
Duty on glass traffic mirrors
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 7009 covers glass mirrors, whether framed or unframed, including vehicle rear-view mirrors. This guide covers fixed convex glass traffic mirrors for yards, car parks and blind corners. Confirm the reflecting surface material before using a glass-mirror code.
Framed glass mirrors under 7009 92 00 00 and other unframed glass mirrors under 7009 91 00 90 carry 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The authorised-use suspension elsewhere in the heading concerns a specified vehicle interior mirror.
The table repeats the relevant codes for different product shapes; these are product variants rather than separate tariff lines. Confirm the commodity code using the material, framing and intended use. See the wider mirror guide for other glass mirrors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Framed round convex glass traffic mirrors | 7009 92 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Unframed round convex glass replacement mirrors | 7009 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the view and mounting
Give the factory a site sketch showing the blind corner, mounting position and observer position. Agree the mirror shape, dimensions, curvature and viewing distance, then assess a sample from the intended viewpoint. A wide reflected view is useful only if approaching people and vehicles remain recognisable.
Specify glass thickness, edge protection, safety backing, housing material, hood, bracket adjustment and the wall or pole connection. For outdoor models, agree evidence for weather exposure, corrosion resistance and mounting stability. Ask for fitting instructions, a parts list and replaceable brackets.
For mirrors intended or foreseeably likely to be used by consumers in Great Britain, general product safety rules apply and the product must be safe. HSE guidance recommends considering mirrors where sharp or blind workplace bends cannot be avoided. Assess the proposed mirror within the site's traffic layout.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 120 framed convex glass traffic mirrors under 7009 92 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,200, so it is £1,040. 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
View: compare the sample and production mirrors from the agreed observer position; check coverage, recognisable reflections and local image distortion.
Glass and housing: check cracks, chipped edges, coating blemishes, backing adhesion, housing fit and sharp exposed edges.
Mounting: assemble the supplied bracket, check its adjustment and locking, and test for slipping or movement under the agreed loading conditions.
Packing: check face protection, cushioning and separation from metal brackets; inspect a packed sample after the agreed handling test and check arriving cartons for impact damage.
What goes wrong
Excessive curvature can make approaching vehicles hard to recognise, while a poorly chosen mounting position can leave the critical approach outside the reflected view. Loose bracket joints let the mirror drift out of alignment. Approve the sample view and complete mounting assembly before production.
Outdoor exposure can reveal edge corrosion, failing backing or a distorted housing. In transit, loose brackets can strike the glass and unsupported edges can chip. Record the approved packing arrangement and compare it with the shipment during quality inspection.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on convex traffic mirrors from China?
Framed glass mirrors under 7009 92 00 00 and other unframed glass mirrors under 7009 91 00 90 carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty for either line.
Does this guide cover acrylic traffic mirrors?
It covers glass mirrors within heading 7009. Ask the supplier to identify the reflecting surface material and confirm the commodity code separately for acrylic or other plastic mirrors.
How do I choose the mirror size and curvature?
Start with the mounting position, observer position and approaches you need to see. Assess a sample at the intended viewing distance and check that approaching people and vehicles remain recognisable.
What should I check when traffic mirrors arrive?
Check glass edges, reflections, backing, housing and bracket locking. Compare the supplied fixings and packing with the approved sample, and photograph damage before discarding the packaging.