Sourcing Gold Chains from China
Gold chains from China pay 2% UK duty; the relevant gold-plated silver and gold-clad base-metal alternatives span 2% to 4%. Gold chains sold as gold need a legally recognised hallmark unless exempt. Specify fineness, solid or hollow construction, weight and clasp materials before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources gold chains.
Gold-chain duty and import controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 31 October 2026, heading 7113 covers precious-metal jewellery and jewellery of metal clad with precious metal. Gold chains fall under 7113 19 00 00 at 2%; gold-plated silver chains under 7113 11 00 00 at 2%; base-metal chains clad with gold under 7113 20 00 00 at 4%. The supplied facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions. Repeated codes in the table distinguish construction options.
The tariff attaches a Russia-related restriction on free circulation, ivory import control, CITES and seal-product controls. Check the gold's origin with your customs broker because Russian sanctions can apply despite shipment from another country. For animal-derived attachments, CITES specimens require permits; listed ivory needs an exemption and registration or certification before purchase. Seal products face a market ban with limited exceptions; qualifying Inuit-exemption imports need an accompanying attestation certificate.
Give your broker the chain's metal composition, construction and any attachments to confirm the commodity code. Do not treat plating and cladding as interchangeable descriptions. The silver jewellery and silver guide provides wider precious-metal context.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold chains with solid links | 7113 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Gold-plated silver chains | 7113 11 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Base-metal chains clad with gold | 7113 20 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify gold content and chain construction
Write down alloy fineness, colour, link pattern, length, width and finished weight tolerance. State whether the links are solid or hollow, and identify the clasp, end tags, connecting rings and solder materials. Approve a physical sample and keep it for comparison with production.
Gold articles sold as gold need a legally recognised hallmark unless exempt. Confirm any weight exemption and the treatment of newer or mixed-material designs for the finished chain with an assay office, and arrange hallmarking before sale where needed.
For plated chains, specify the underlying metal, coating material and thickness. Include nickel-release testing for prolonged skin-contact parts, and cadmium and lead checks for base-metal findings, as described in the published reference. Agree the production sampling and evidence with the testing service.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative wholesale batch of gold chains under 7113 19 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £30,800. Duty at 2% is £616. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,416, so it is £6,283.20. Import taxes total £6,899.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £616 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Composition: compare independent fineness results with the agreed alloy and check clasp, connecting-ring and solder materials.
Weight and dimensions: weigh sampled chains and compare length, width and solid or hollow construction with the retained sample.
Links and clasp: inspect solder joints, dents, sharp edges and twisted links; check clasp closure and pull-test the agreed sample.
Finish and marks: check colour consistency, coating evidence and the recognised hallmark where required; photograph results during inspection.
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What goes wrong
A hollow chain can resemble a solid sample while weighing less and denting more easily. Weak solder joints, open connecting rings and unreliable clasps can cause breakage or loss. Compare construction and weight as well as appearance, and record defects before accepting the batch.
A factory purity stamp alone does not establish a complete UK hallmark. Check recognised marking before sale where required. Keep origin records and a material list for attachments so customs checks do not depend on the supplier's description of the 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 gold chains from China?
Gold chains under 7113 19 00 00 pay 2%. Gold-plated silver chains pay 2%; base-metal chains clad with gold pay 4%. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures.
Do gold chains need a UK hallmark?
Chains sold as gold need a legally recognised hallmark unless exempt. Confirm any weight exemption and the treatment of newer or mixed-material designs with an assay office, using the finished design.
How do I check whether a gold chain is hollow?
Specify construction in the order and compare production weight with the retained sample. Ask the inspector to verify hollow or solid construction, rather than relying on colour and external dimensions.
Is a factory gold-content stamp enough?
A complete UK hallmark includes compulsory marks; confirm the required sponsor, fineness and assay-office markings with an assay office. A purity stamp alone does not establish that complete hallmark. Check legally recognised marking where hallmarking is required.