Sourcing glass pavement lights from China
Glass pavement lights from China carry 0% UK duty across the heading's tariff lines, with no listed trade remedies. Check the commodity code for the supplied form and ask whether construction-product performance documentation covers its intended use. Cambridge China Bridge sources glass pavement lights.
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Duty and classification for pavement-light glass
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7016 covers pressed or moulded glass articles for construction, including blocks and paving articles. This guide concerns glass inserts that admit daylight through a pavement into the space below. See the wider glass paving blocks guide.
All listed lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The table includes adjacent mosaic and leaded-light lines for classification comparison; their descriptions do not establish the code for pavement-light glass.
Confirm the commodity code using the glass shape, manufacturing method and supplied form. Ask the broker to distinguish loose glass blocks from other moulded articles and complete framed assemblies. Do not assume that the same code covers every assembly sold as a pavement light.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass blocks and bricks for building or construction | 7016 90 40 00 | 0% | None |
| Other pressed or moulded construction glass articles | 7016 90 70 00 | 0% | None |
| Leaded lights and the like, for classification comparison | 7016 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Glass mosaic cubes and smallwares, for classification comparison | 7016 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the insert and its supporting frame
Specify the glass outline, overall depth, bearing edges, underside prism pattern, top surface texture and colour. Supply a drawing of the receiving frame or opening, including the seating arrangement and joint detail. For replacement inserts, approve a sample in the actual frame before releasing production.
State whether the installation is pedestrian-only or may encounter vehicles. Ask for load and slip test evidence identifying the glass, support arrangement and surface finish tested. Have the project designer review suitability for the intended installation; an isolated glass strength result does not describe the assembled pavement light.
Ask whether the supplier issues a declaration of performance for the product and intended use, and request the supporting reports. For Great Britain, legitimately CE-marked construction products can continue to be supplied. Check that the documents identify the ordered product rather than a different wall block. Use testing and certification support to review the evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 6,000 glass pavement-light blocks for a building merchant, illustrative only under 7016 90 40 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. 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
Fit: measure the outline, depth and bearing edges against the approved drawing, and trial-fit samples in the receiving frame without forcing them.
Glass condition: inspect bearing edges and faces for chips, cracks, stones and visible defects; compare prism pattern, colour and surface texture with the approved sample.
Assembly: check seating, joint materials and drainage details against the agreed installation design; investigate rocking inserts and uneven walking surfaces.
Packing and arrival: check individual separation and protection of bearing edges, then record broken or chipped inserts when unpacking. Agree these checks through the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A visually similar replacement can have the wrong bearing profile or depth, leaving it poorly supported or proud of the pavement. Chips concealed by the frame, changed surface texture and a different underside prism pattern can also escape a simple appearance check. Compare the production sample with the drawing and the actual installation.
A report for a wall block or a differently supported specimen may not answer the pavement designer's questions. Transit breakage can also leave too few matching inserts for the installation. Settle document coverage, frame fit, packing and the handling of damaged goods before shipment.
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 pavement lights from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% across heading 7016, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code for loose inserts or complete assemblies.
Are glass pavement lights electric lamps?
This guide covers daylight-admitting glass inserts in pavement openings. Send a drawing and full product description if your order includes electrical lighting.
Can I replace old pavement-light glass with a similar shape?
Check depth, bearing profile, frame fit and the intended loading. Approve a sample in the actual frame and have the project designer review the supporting evidence.
What documents should I request from the factory?
Request the product drawing, applicable declaration of performance and reports identifying the ordered glass and intended use. Ask for load and slip evidence matching the support and surface finish.