Sourcing flatback glass rhinestones from China
Flatback glass rhinestones from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 7018 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. For jewellery use, check the applicable lead restriction and any crystal-glass derogation before approving the material. Cambridge China Bridge sources flatback glass rhinestones.
Duty and classification for flatback glass rhinestones
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 24 October 2026, heading 7018 covers glass imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares. The relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions recorded. The table gives candidate descriptions, rather than interchangeable codes for every flatback.
The listed loose-stone lines have no attached controls in the supplied tariff snapshot. Elsewhere in the heading, the articles lines attach import and export controls on cat and dog fur. Imports and exports of that fur and products made from it are banned. If buying rhinestones already incorporated into an article, confirm its materials and the declaration requirements with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the glass composition, whether the stone is cut and mechanically polished, its dimensions and whether it is supplied loose or incorporated into an article. See the wider glass beads and imitation pearls guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass imitation stones, cut and mechanically polished | 7018 10 51 00 | 0% | None |
| Other glass imitation stones | 7018 10 59 00 | 0% | None |
| Other glass smallwares, not exceeding 2 mm in diameter | 7018 10 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other glass smallwares | 7018 10 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the glass, flat back and attachment method
Specify glass rather than acrylic or resin, shape, diameter and tolerance, height, facet pattern, colour and surface finish. Approve physical samples for each finish. State whether the back is plain, reflective-foiled or coated with heat-activated adhesive, and whether the buyer will glue or heat-apply the stones.
For hotfix stones, ask for application settings and trial them on the actual fabric with the intended press. For glue-on stones, test the chosen adhesive against the backing and substrate. Agree wash, rub and attachment checks that reflect the finished product's use.
For jewellery parts, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable UK REACH lead restriction, whether a crystal-glass derogation applies, and any cadmium restrictions on metal jewellery parts. Ask for composition and relevant laboratory evidence before approving jewellery applications. Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative wholesale order of assorted cut and mechanically polished flatback glass rhinestones under 7018 10 51 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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
Geometry: measure diameter and height across packs; check flat backs, consistent facets, chipped edges and cracked stones against the approved sample.
Colour and backing: compare finishes under consistent lighting; inspect foil coverage, scratches and peeling, then rub-test the surface.
Attachment: apply samples to the intended substrate; check lifting after cooling, handling and the agreed washing trial.
Packs and evidence: check counts, colour separation and batch references; match composition and test reports to the supplied finishes. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
Mixed shades become obvious across a decorated garment. Uneven backs reduce adhesive contact, damaged foil changes the appearance, and loose glass chips contaminate packs. Hotfix stones can detach when the adhesive, fabric and application settings do not work together.
Keep approved stones and decorated fabric samples for comparison with production. Record acceptance checks in the order and investigate backing or adhesive changes before accepting a repeat batch. A supplier's description of the stones as crystal does not establish the composition or a legal derogation.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on flatback glass rhinestones from China?
The relevant heading 7018 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff snapshot, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the code for the actual stones.
Which commodity code covers flatback glass rhinestones?
7018 10 51 00 is a candidate for glass imitation stones that are cut and mechanically polished. Other manufacture or product forms need their own classification check.
Should I buy hotfix or glue-on glass rhinestones?
Choose against the actual substrate and application process. Trial heat-activated adhesive on the intended fabric, or test the chosen glue against the backing before approving production.
Do glass rhinestones for jewellery need lead checks?
Check the applicable UK REACH jewellery restriction and obtain composition and relevant test evidence. Confirm with the relevant authority whether a crystal-glass derogation applies; the supplier's use of the word crystal does not prove it applies.