Sourcing glass butter dishes from China
Glass butter dishes from China carry 10% UK duty across the relevant lines, so the duty range is a single rate. They must be safe for their intended food contact. Specify the usable space beneath the lid, glass composition, edge finish and packing before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources glass butter dishes.
UK import duty on glass butter dishes
Heading 7013 covers glassware for table, kitchen and similar purposes. Glass butter dishes belong within its table or kitchen glassware branches; the appropriate line depends on the glass properties and manufacturing method. The table shows candidate lines, rather than a classification based solely on the product name. For a different material, see ceramic butter dishes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the relevant lines carried 10% duty on goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The tariff attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls: such fur and products made from it are banned. It also lists a cultural-object export licence control; confirm any applicable documentation with your customs broker.
Give your broker the glass composition, manufacturing method, photographs and details of the complete dish and lid. A low-expansion description needs supporting material information rather than a supplier's general heat-resistant claim. Confirm the line using finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanically gathered glass butter dishes, other glass | 7013 49 99 00 | 10% | None |
| Hand-gathered glass butter dishes, other glass | 7013 49 91 00 | 10% | None |
| Toughened glass butter dishes | 7013 49 10 00 | 10% | None |
| Low-expansion glass butter dishes meeting the tariff description | 7013 42 00 00 | 10% | None |
Specify the butter space, lid and food contact
Specify the butter block the dish should accommodate, usable base dimensions, internal lid height, rim clearance and grip shape. State whether the base and lid are both glass, identify the glass composition, and approve the colour, mould seams and edge finish against a retained sample. Agree whether the lid simply rests on the base or has a locating rim.
Food-contact materials must be safe and suitable for their intended use. Ask for evidence covering the actual glass, colour and decoration in contact with butter, with the intended contact duration and storage conditions. Importers must demonstrate compliance with relevant safety requirements before placing products on the market. Use testing and certification support to agree the evidence needed.
Specify the cleaning method and ask the supplier to substantiate any dishwasher claim on production samples. Agree separate protection for the lid and base, cushioning around the knob, and packing that prevents glass rubbing against glass.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 glass butter dish sets with lids; illustrative order and values under 7013 49 99 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,900. Duty at 10% is £290. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,190, so it is £638. Import taxes total £928; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £290 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: place the intended butter block on the base and close the lid; check clearance, rocking, rim alignment and an easy grip.
Edges: inspect lid rims, base edges and mould seams for chips, cracks, sharp projections and rough finishing.
Appearance: compare colour and clarity with the approved sample; check scratches, trapped inclusions and decoration placement.
Packing: open arrival cartons and check lid and base separation, knob protection, glass fragments and matching sets. Record findings using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
External dimensions can look correct while a thick lid leaves too little space for butter. A warped base makes the lid rock; a tight locating rim chips when parts knock together. Review these points on production samples rather than relying on catalogue photographs.
Unprotected knobs and glass parts packed together can arrive broken or scratched. A report for plain glass does not establish the suitability of a differently decorated dish. Hold affected stock for review and agree the packing or material correction before repeating the order.
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 glass butter dishes from China?
The relevant lines carried 10% duty on 29 September 2026. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for those lines.
Which commodity code covers a glass butter dish?
Mechanically gathered other glass tableware is a candidate for 7013 49 99 00. Toughened, low-expansion and hand-gathered glass have separate lines. Confirm the material and manufacturing method with your broker.
What food-contact evidence should I ask for?
Ask for evidence matching the actual glass, colour and decoration, covering contact with butter under the intended storage conditions. Agree the assessment with a laboratory before approving production.
How do I reduce breakage in glass butter dish shipments?
Approve packing that separates lid and base, cushions the knob and prevents glass rubbing. Inspect packed production samples and check arrival cartons for fragments, chips and scratches.