Sourcing gas barbecues from China
Domestic gas barbecues of iron or steel from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the applicable gas appliance conformity assessment requirements for the model and its intended gas supply with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources gas barbecues.
UK duty on gas barbecues
Heading 7321 covers non-electric domestic appliances of iron or steel and their parts. A domestic gas barbecue without an oven falls under 7321 11 90 00; a model with an oven falls under 7321 11 10 00. Parts fall under 7321 90 00 00. The table separates gas-only and mixed-fuel products even where they share a code.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, every line in this heading carried 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is 20%. These figures describe domestic appliances within this heading.
Confirm the construction, fuel and oven arrangement before choosing the commodity code. Equipment designed as commercial cooking machinery needs a separate classification check. See the pizza oven guide for the wider distinction between domestic and commercial cooking equipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic gas barbecues of iron or steel, without an oven | 7321 11 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Domestic gas barbecues of iron or steel with an oven | 7321 11 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Parts of domestic iron or steel barbecues | 7321 90 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the gas system and cooking surfaces
Agree the intended gas type, appliance category, supply pressure, regulator, hose and cylinder connection before approving a sample. Specify burner layout, cooking area, grate material and coating, grease collection, lid fit, trolley construction and whether the barbecue includes an oven. Record the agreed configuration so production substitutions can be identified.
For Great Britain, check the gas appliance conformity assessment documents for the exact model and intended gas category and pressure. Ask for the approved or notified body certificate and production assessment documentation, not just a laboratory report. Check UKCA or CE marking and the declaration of conformity. Instructions must be clear, legible and in easily understandable English. Use testing and certification to organise document checks.
Cooking grates and coated plates contact food; confirm the applicable requirements concerning transfer of constituents and health protection with the relevant authority. Ask for material specifications and migration test reports covering the actual coating and intended cooking conditions. Agree how replacement grates, burners and ignition components will be identified.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 domestic gas barbecues; FOB value and freight including insurance are hypothetical. under 7321 11 90 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
Documents: match the delivered model, data plate and gas configuration to the certificate and declaration; check the manufacturer details, appliance category, nominal supply pressure and English instructions.
Gas system: have a competent inspector check joints for leaks, ignition, burner stability and the safety devices specified for the approved model, using its intended gas supply.
Cooking surfaces: compare grate material and coating with the approved sample; check for chipped enamel, exposed edges, warped plates and a grease tray that can be removed without spilling.
Assembly and packing: assemble a sample, check trolley stability, wheel fixings, lid alignment and loose hardware, then inspect cartons for impact damage. Record results through the quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
A certificate for a similar-looking barbecue can conceal a different gas train, regulator or burner arrangement. A satisfactory sample also does not establish that production uses the same components. Compare the production specification and markings with the assessed configuration before releasing the shipment.
Other failures include damaged enamel, uneven lid fit, weak trolley joints and grease trays that foul the burners or are difficult to clean. Include assembly and firing checks before shipment, then repeat condition and component checks on arrival before releasing stock for sale.
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 gas barbecues from China?
Domestic gas barbecues of iron or steel under heading 7321 carry 2% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is 20%.
Is a supplier's CE certificate enough for a gas barbecue?
Check the notified body certificate, production assessment and declaration for the exact model and intended gas supply. A generic laboratory report or another model's certificate is insufficient.
Can I use the same gas barbecue for every destination?
Do not assume so. Specify the destination's gas type, supply pressure and connections, then check that the model's assessment covers that configuration.
What should I check when gas barbecues arrive?
Check model identity, documents, gas components, damaged cooking surfaces, trolley assembly and packing damage. Arrange competent leak and firing checks using the intended gas supply.