Sourcing crust lizard skins from China
Crust lizard skins from China have standard UK duties of 0% to 2%, with a listed suspension for the other-reptile line. Check the exact species and its CITES documentation before ordering; a tariff code does not establish admissibility. Cambridge China Bridge sources crust lizard skins.
Crust lizard skin codes and duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 4106 covers tanned or crust skins without wool or hair, whether or not split, but not further prepared. For crust lizard skins, the relevant reptile lines are 4106 40 10 00 for vegetable pre-tanned skins and 4106 40 90 00 for other skins. Whole and split presentations share these codes.
For goods from China, the standard duties are 0% and 2% respectively. The other-reptile line also lists an autonomous tariff suspension at 0.00 %. Its footnote excludes mixtures, preparations or products made up of different components containing these products. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded for these lines. Both carry CITES import and export controls. Ask your broker to confirm suspension eligibility and the documentation for the exact species.
The table separates whole and split buying specifications under the same tariff lines. Confirm the tanning process and whether further preparation has occurred using finding your commodity code. The crust snakeskin guide provides a related guide within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable pre-tanned crust lizard skins, whole | 4106 40 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other crust lizard skins, whole | 4106 40 90 00 | 2% | None |
Specify species, tanning and cutting yield
Ask for the scientific species name, animal origin, supplier identity and a description of the tanning process. Separate vegetable pre-tanning from other processes. State that you want dry crust skins and describe any dyeing, coating or finishing already applied. Have your broker assess that description before agreeing the classification.
Agree how usable width and area will be measured, which parts of the skin count towards the order, and how holes, scars and missing scales affect grading. Specify thickness, firmness, stretch, cut position and acceptable repairs. Approve a sample through your intended dyeing and finishing process before accepting the bulk specification.
For CITES-listed material, establish the applicable documentation with APHA and your broker before ordering from China. Listed species require permission according to their listing. Great Britain restricts imports of specimens appearing on its country-specific restriction list. Identify the animal’s origin as well as the Chinese dispatch country when checking that list.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of whole vegetable pre-tanned crust lizard skins under 4106 40 10 00, invoiced at £4,106 free on board, with £90 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,196. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,196, so it is £839.20. 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
Identity: compare the declared species, supplier records, batch descriptions and skin count. Keep discrepancies separate for investigation before accepting the batch.
Yield: measure usable belly width and cutting area using the agreed method. Mark holes, edge loss, scars, repairs and damaged scales against the approved grading sample.
Condition: check for mould, damp packing, brittle edges, loose scales and uneven thickness. Compare flexibility and surface condition with the retained sample.
Processing: trial representative skins through your intended dyeing and finishing process. Record uneven uptake, cracking and loss of usable area. Use quality inspection explained to brief the inspection.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A description such as “genuine lizard” leaves the species unresolved. Tanning photographs and a Chinese supplier address do not answer the species and origin questions. Ask your broker to resolve the CITES import control before dispatch and plan the document handover with the supplier.
A batch can match the ordered skin count but deliver less usable cutting area because of narrow bellies, scars or damaged scales. Agree the measurement and rejection method before buying. For subsequent sales, commercial use of Annex A specimens without a valid certificate, or Annex B specimens imported illegally, is a criminal offence.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on crust lizard skins from China?
Vegetable pre-tanned skins are 0%; other reptile skins are normally 2%, with a listed 0.00 % suspension. Confirm eligibility. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded for these lines.
Do crust lizard skins need CITES documents?
The tariff attaches CITES controls. Establish the scientific species name and origin, then confirm the applicable permissions and restrictions with APHA and your broker before ordering.
Does shipping from China establish the animal’s origin?
Do not use the dispatch address as your origin evidence. Ask for records identifying the species, animal origin and supply chain so the relevant import restrictions can be checked.
What should I inspect before accepting crust lizard skins?
Check usable belly width, cutting area, thickness, scars, holes, scale damage and mould. Compare grading with the approved sample and trial the skins through your intended finishing process.