Sourcing garden fire pits from China
Iron or steel garden fire pits from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant heating, cooking and parts lines. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe; confirm gas-appliance conformity-assessment requirements for gas heating models with the relevant authority. Confirm the fuel and intended function before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources garden fire pits.
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UK duty on garden fire pits
Heading 7321 covers non-electric domestic appliances of iron or steel, including braziers, and their parts. The table distinguishes solid-fuel heating, cooking and gas heating designs, plus identifiable parts. For cooking products within the wider heading, see charcoal barbecues.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 December 2026, all the selected lines carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control. Import VAT is 20%.
Confirm the material, fuel and intended heating or cooking function using the commodity code guide. A removable cooking grate alone should not determine the classification. Check separately supplied accessories against their own description rather than automatically declaring everything as fire-pit parts.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron or steel solid-fuel garden fire pits for heating | 7321 89 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Iron or steel solid-fuel fire pits designed as domestic cooking appliances | 7321 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Iron or steel gas garden fire pits for heating | 7321 81 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Identifiable parts of iron or steel garden fire pits | 7321 90 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the bowl, fuel and supporting frame
Agree the body material, sheet thickness or casting construction, bowl dimensions, leg attachments, drainage, ash collection and spark-screen fit. Specify whether the finish is intended to weather or remain coated. Record permitted fuels, assembly details and the intended outdoor setting. Keep an approved sample and drawings covering both the cold assembly and its behaviour during firing.
Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Request model-specific safety evidence covering stability, sharp edges, hot surfaces and foreseeable handling. Specify English instructions for assembly, lighting, extinguishing, cooling and ash removal. Use testing and certification to scope the checks.
For gas heating models, obtain the conformity-assessment certificate, declaration of conformity and relevant CE or UKCA marking evidence. CE marking remains recognised in Great Britain for gas appliances. Match the documents to the burner, valve, safety devices, gas category and supply pressure being supplied. Agree the regulator and hose arrangement before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 200 steel garden fire pits for a garden retailer; FOB value and freight are hypothetical. under 7321 89 00 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,000. Duty at 2% is £360. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,360, so it is £3,672. Import taxes total £4,032; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £360 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Structure: assemble the fire pit on a level surface; check rocking, leg alignment, fastener engagement, cracked castings, incomplete welds and sharp bowl edges.
Firing behaviour: arrange a controlled check with the specified fuel; inspect bowl distortion, screen fit, ash retention and finish changes against the approved sample.
Gas models: have a competent tester check connections, leakage, ignition, flame stability and fitted shutdown devices against the agreed test plan.
Arrival condition: inspect rims, legs, screens and coatings for transit damage. Match the model, instructions and supplied components to the approved packing list; retain photographs with the inspection record.
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What goes wrong
A thinner bowl, altered leg bracket or substituted coating can change how a fire pit behaves after heating. Check material and construction against the purchase specification. Distinguish agreed weathering from rust caused by damaged packing or a finish that differs from the approved sample.
Nested bowls can arrive with dented rims, scratched coatings or trapped moisture. Loose hardware can damage the finish during transport. For gas models, a report for another burner or valve arrangement leaves the delivered configuration unchecked. Investigate differences before releasing stock.
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 garden fire pits from China?
The selected iron or steel heating, cooking and parts lines carry 2% duty. The supplied records list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is 20%.
Which commodity code covers a wood-burning garden fire pit?
For an iron or steel domestic heating appliance, check 7321 89 00 00. A design intended as a solid-fuel cooking appliance may use 7321 19 00 00. Confirm the actual function and construction.
What documents should I request for a gas fire pit?
For a gas heating model, request the conformity-assessment certificate, declaration of conformity and relevant CE or UKCA marking evidence. Match the model, gas category, supply pressure and safety devices.
Can a garden fire pit be used in a smoke control area?
In England, smoke from outdoor burning is outside smoke control area rules. Check the actual setting before advising customers, especially if the proposed arrangement involves a building or its chimney.