Sourcing glass inspection mirrors from China

Duty on glass inspection mirrors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7009 covers glass mirrors, whether framed or unframed, including rear-view mirrors. This guide covers non-electrical glass inspection mirrors for looking behind workshop components or beneath vehicles, plus replacement glass mirror heads. It excludes dental instruments and vehicle rear-view mirrors.

Framed glass mirrors under 7009 92 00 00 and other unframed glass mirrors under 7009 91 00 90 carry 0% duty from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The authorised-use suspension elsewhere in the heading concerns a specified vehicle interior rear-view mirror.

The table repeats these tariff lines for different inspection-mirror variants. Confirm the commodity code using the reflecting material, framing and complete assembly. For the wider heading and fixed traffic applications, see the convex traffic safety mirror guide.

Specify reach, reflected detail and head retention

Give the factory the inspection task and access opening. Specify glass rather than plastic, head shape, dimensions, flat or convex reflection, handle material, collapsed and extended reach, and swivel movement. Approve a sample by viewing the actual fastener, marking or joint that the buyer needs to inspect. A wider view can make small details harder to recognise.

Agree edge protection, glass retention, backing, joint friction and handle grip. For wheeled under-vehicle mirrors, specify ground clearance, wheel movement and how the head folds for storage. Ask for replacement heads and instructions for adjustment, cleaning and handling broken glass.

In Great Britain, models intended or foreseeably likely to be used by consumers must be safe under general product safety rules. For workplace models, the general workplace product safety duty applies where more specific product safety law does not apply. Agree checks for exposed glass edges and a head that could detach during use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 120 framed glass under-vehicle inspection mirrors on wheels under 7009 92 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,200, so it is £1,040. 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

Reflection: inspect the agreed target at the intended working distance; compare clarity, distortion and coating blemishes with the approved sample.

Glass retention: check cracks, chipped edges, exposed sharp edges, backing condition and whether the glass moves in its frame.

Handle and joints: extend and collapse the handle, set the swivel angle and check for slipping, head droop or loose attachments; roll wheeled models over the agreed surface.

Packing: check face protection and cushioning, keep metal handles away from the glass, and photograph damaged cartons and broken mirrors on arrival.

What goes wrong

A head can fit through an opening yet give an unusable view because the swivel cannot hold the required angle. Excessive curvature can hide small defects, while a loose telescopic handle twists during inspection. Approve the complete tool on the intended task before production.

Weak glass retention lets the mirror rattle or detach, and loose metal parts can scratch or break the face in transit. Compare production assemblies and packing with the approved sample during quality inspection.

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.