Sourcing copper Moscow mule mugs from China

Duty on copper Moscow mule mugs

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 7418 covers copper table, kitchen and household articles, alongside copper scourers and sanitary ware. Copper Moscow mule mugs fall within the household-article descriptions considered here. See the copper cookware and homeware guide for the wider heading.

The supplied tariff snapshot records 0% duty for goods from China under 7418 10 90 10 for hand-made articles and 7418 10 90 90 for other articles. Neither line lists anti-dumping or countervailing duty, a suspension or an attached import control. The table repeats these codes for smooth and hammered mug variants.

Confirm the body material and manufacturing method before choosing the commodity code. Copper-plated steel or aluminium articles are classified by their base metal, as explained in the wider guide. A copper appearance alone does not establish classification under this heading.

Specify the copper body and cocktail-contact lining

Specify the body metal, wall thickness, capacity, rim shape, handle material and attachment, and smooth or hammered finish. Distinguish a copper body with a lining from a steel mug with copper plating. Approve a sample showing the interior, rim and handle joints, rather than relying on exterior photographs.

Confirm with the relevant food safety authority the requirements for constituent transfer from food-contact articles. Unlined copper releases copper into acidic drinks, so agree a lining and ask for finished-mug migration testing suited to the intended cocktails and contact conditions. If choosing tin, specify lead-free tin. Agree cleaning instructions and request supporting material and test documents. See food-contact materials.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 stainless-steel-lined copper Moscow mule mugs, illustrative only under 7418 10 90 90, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,600, so it is £1,520. 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

Body and rim: check material against the specification, measure wall thickness, compare capacity with the approved sample and inspect the drinking edge for burrs.

Lining: inspect the interior and rim for gaps, exposed copper, peeling and scratches. Check that migration reports identify the supplied mug construction and intended use.

Handles and leaks: check rivets, welds or brazed joints for movement and sharp edges. Fill samples to check for leaks and assess the handle with the mug filled.

Finish and packing: compare hammered texture or polish with the approved sample. Check for dents, tarnish and abrasion, and inspect individual protection and carton separation on arrival.

What goes wrong

A copper-coloured exterior can hide a different body metal. Thin or damaged linings can leave copper exposed, especially around the rim. Other failures include loose handles, dents, uneven hammered finishes and tarnish after damp storage. An attractive exterior does not establish suitability for acidic cocktails.

Agree acceptance criteria against the approved sample and inspect before shipment. On arrival, hold mugs with lining damage, sharp rims or insecure handles for assessment before sale or use. Keep photographs and sample identification with the supplier discussion. See quality inspection explained.

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.