Sourcing Glass Paving Blocks from China

Glass paving blocks: duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 November 2026, heading 7016 covers pressed or moulded glass paving blocks and other construction glass articles. The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty for goods from China on every line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

The site's existing guide places glass paving in 7016 90 70 00; 7016 90 40 00 covers construction blocks and bricks. The table separates paving finishes within the same tariff line and includes the construction-block line for classification comparison. Confirm the commodity code using the product drawing, form and intended use. See the wider glass blocks and mosaic guide.

Specify the paving surface and support system

Specify length, width, thickness, solid or hollow construction, colour, texture and edge detail. State whether the blocks will form a walking surface or a decorative insert. Agree the support frame, bedding, joints and installation drawing, and request load and wet-surface slip test evidence matching that arrangement.

Ask for the declaration of performance and test reports for the exact paving product, as discussed in the site's wider guide. For Great Britain, products meeting EU requirements, including CE marking, can continue to be supplied without reassessment or re-marking. Match the paperwork to the supplied product rather than accepting a report for a different glass block.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 6,000 glass paving blocks, illustrative order only under 7016 90 70 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

Dimensions: measure sampled blocks against the agreed drawing and trial-fit them in the intended frame; check squareness, thickness and face flatness.

Walking surface: compare texture and finish with the approved sample; check for smooth patches, sharp edges and inconsistent moulding.

Glass condition: inspect faces and edges for cracks, chips, bubbles and inclusions; on hollow blocks, check seams and internal fogging.

Packing and arrival: check dividers, edge protection and pallet restraint before loading; on arrival, photograph damaged packs and record broken blocks. Use the inspection guide to agree the checks.

What goes wrong

Uneven thickness or distorted edges prevent blocks seating evenly, while a changed surface finish can undermine the agreed grip. A report for a wall block does not establish the performance of a paving assembly. Settle the installation and supporting evidence before approving production.

Glass edges chip when blocks touch in transit, and damaged hollow-block seams can leave moisture trapped inside. Compare arrival damage with loading photographs, keep affected blocks separate and record the defect against the batch.

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.