Sourcing domino sets from China
Domino sets from China normally fall under 9504 90 80 00 at 0% UK duty; heading 9504 ranges from 0% to 2%. Confirm with Trading Standards whether games designed or intended for play by children under 14 fall within the applicable toy rules. Specify the tile material, complete combination list and storage case before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources domino sets.
UK duty and material controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 9504 covers table and parlour games alongside other gaming equipment. Ordinary domino sets are covered by the other-games line, 9504 90 80 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. The table shows product variants sharing this line. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension is recorded for it.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches ivory import and CITES controls to this line. For any ivory content, confirm the import requirement with your customs broker before ordering. CITES-listed material requires a permit where the species appears in Annex A, B or C; check the species before accepting animal-derived materials. The recorded cultural-goods licence and other export controls concern exports.
Confirm the commodity code against the actual set and materials before shipment. The Mahjong sets guide covers another game within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic domino sets | 9504 90 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the tiles and the complete set
State the tile material, dimensions, thickness, weight, colour, surface finish, corner shape and whether the dots are recessed or printed. Attach a complete list of the required dot combinations rather than relying on the set name. Specify the case, closure, insert, instructions and retail packaging, and keep an approved finished sample.
Identify the intended players before production. For games designed or intended for play by children under 14, confirm the applicable toy rules with Trading Standards and plan testing and warnings for children's domino sets. Businesses importing or selling consumer products in the UK are responsible for their safety. Discuss the intended use and materials through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 boxed domino sets under 9504 90 80 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,300, so it is £460. 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
Completeness: lay out the tiles against the approved combination list; check for missing combinations and duplicates.
Tiles: compare dimensions, colour and weight with the approved sample; check that tiles sit flat and have smooth edges.
Dots and finish: check dot positions, contrast and recessed paint; rub the surface to look for smearing or flaking.
Case and packing: check closure strength, tile fit, instructions and artwork; open arrival cartons for cracked tiles, moisture and crushed boxes.
What goes wrong
A correct total tile count can hide a duplicated combination and a missing tile. Check the combination list as well as the count. Uneven thickness, bowed tiles and inconsistent backs can make individual pieces recognisable during play.
Material substitutions can change weight, colour and finish between the sample and production. Record the agreed material and require approval before changes. Compare production and arrival samples with the retained set, including the case and printed instructions.
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 domino sets from China?
Ordinary domino sets under 9504 90 80 00 carry 0% duty for goods from China in the supplied tariff snapshot. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension is recorded for that line.
Are children's domino sets treated as toys?
If designed or intended for play by children under 14, confirm with Trading Standards whether the applicable toy rules cover the set. Plan the testing and warnings before production, using the intended age group and actual materials.
How do I check that a domino set is complete?
Lay out every tile against the approved dot-combination list. Counting tiles alone will not reveal a missing combination replaced by a duplicate.
What should I send a domino factory for a quotation?
Send the material, tile dimensions and weight, combination list, dot colours, finish, case details, packaging artwork, intended players and order quantity.