Sourcing garden benches from China
Garden benches from China carry 0% to 4% UK duty across the selected complete-seat lines; wooden seat parts carry 2%. Consumer benches must be safe, and material-specific import controls need checking before shipment. Specify outdoor durability and test the assembled model. Cambridge China Bridge sources garden benches.
Garden bench duty depends on construction
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 9401 covers seats and their parts. The selected wooden-frame, metal-frame and other complete benches carry 0% duty from China; natural-rattan benches carry 4%. Wooden seat parts carry 2%, and other selected seat parts carry 0%. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension.
The complete-seat lines selected here, except natural rattan, attach CITES and torture-goods import controls. For listed species, check the CITES permit requirements and confirm the documents for the Chinese shipment with your customs broker. The torture prohibition covers specified equipment, including restraint chairs. All selected lines attach cat and dog fur controls: imports of that fur and products made from it are banned. The tariff also lists export measures; these are separate from import clearance.
Confirm the frame material, upholstery and whether the shipment contains complete benches or parts before choosing your commodity code. Woven plastic over a metal frame should not be described as natural rattan. See restaurant dining chairs for the wider seating heading, and the duty and VAT guide for import VAT at 20%.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden-frame garden benches, not upholstered | 9401 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Metal-frame garden benches, not upholstered | 9401 79 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other garden benches, including plastic seats | 9401 80 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Garden benches of natural rattan | 9401 53 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Wooden seat parts for garden benches | 9401 91 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Other seat parts for garden benches | 9401 99 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify slats, frames and outdoor exposure
State whether the bench is for a sheltered domestic garden or an exposed public setting. Agree the timber species, slat profile, seat depth, back angle, joint design and assembly method. For metal frames, specify the metal, weld finish, coating system, fasteners and treatment of cut edges. Agree feet, drainage paths and any anchoring arrangement.
Ask for strength, stability and weathering evidence for the exact assembled model and finish. UK businesses making, importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. For upholstered items sold for homes, confirm the applicable furniture fire safety requirements with Trading Standards and consult our published furniture guides; settle the cushion specification before ordering. Use testing and certification support to agree the evidence needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 80 unupholstered wooden-frame garden benches under 9401 69 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,000, so it is £5,000. 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
Assembly: build a bench from randomly selected cartons using the supplied instructions; check hole alignment, bolt engagement, missing fittings and rocking on a level surface.
Timber and seating: check moisture against the agreed specification, splits around fixings, loose slats, splinters, sharp edges and consistency with the approved sample.
Frame and finish: inspect welds, coating coverage underneath the seat, exposed metal at drilled holes, drainage and fastener compatibility.
Packing and records: inspect crushed corners, rubbing between slats and frames, trapped moisture and fitting bags; match model and batch records to the inspected goods.
What goes wrong
A bench can look sound in a sample photograph but rack sideways after assembly. Wet timber may split around bolts as it dries, poorly prepared metal may rust beneath the coating, and water can collect inside hollow legs. Packing that leaves painted parts touching can produce abrasion before delivery.
Approve an assembled sample and record the joints, finish and fittings in the purchase specification. Repeat the agreed checks on production goods and on arrival. A report for an indoor chair or a different frame does not establish the performance of the bench you ordered.
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 garden benches from China?
Selected wooden-frame, metal-frame and other complete benches carry 0%; natural-rattan benches carry 4%. Wooden seat parts carry 2%. The selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Is a woven garden bench classified as rattan?
Check the actual material and frame. Natural rattan and plastic weave over a metal frame are different constructions. Give your broker the material breakdown and photographs before confirming the code.
Do wooden garden benches need CITES checks?
The selected wooden-frame bench line attaches CITES control. Check the species against the listing and confirm applicable permits and Chinese shipment documents with your customs broker.
What should I check when garden benches arrive?
Assemble samples and check rocking, joint movement, bolt fit, timber splits, splinters, coating damage and missing fittings. Open cartons for moisture and abrasion checks before releasing stock.