Sourcing granite drain channel blocks from China

Zero duty where heading 6801 applies

Heading 6801 covers setts, curbstones and flagstones of natural stone, except slate. This guide concerns granite drainage channel blocks qualifying within that heading. Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, commodity code 6801 00 00 00 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, intended use and degree of working. Worked building stone can fall under heading 6802, so a supplier's description of 'granite channel block' does not settle classification. See the wider granite drainage kerbs guide and our explanation of UK import duty and VAT.

Specify the channel profile and stone

Specify the quarry and stone type, colour range, surface finish and an approved sample. Draw the channel cross-section, overall dimensions, groove width and depth, remaining base thickness, bedding face and joint faces. Identify straight sections, bends, end pieces and outlet connections, with agreed tolerances for each profile.

Agree the intended pedestrian or vehicle exposure with the project designer. Request stone-specific strength, water absorption and freeze-thaw results, plus slip results for exposed walking surfaces. Where a designated construction-product standard applies, confirm the declaration-of-performance and marking requirements with the relevant authority, then obtain the applicable documents and CE or UKCA marking for the supplied product. CE marking continues to be recognised in Great Britain.

Specify braced pallets, separators and protection for channel lips and joint edges. Solid wood packaging imported into Great Britain must meet international phytosanitary standard ISPM15. Check its treatment and legible marking; a treatment certificate cannot replace the mark.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of palletised granite drainage channel blocks; illustrative FOB and freight including insurance under 6801 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,500, so it is £2,500. 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

Profile: measure the groove, base thickness, bedding face and joint faces against the approved drawing; dry-fit adjoining blocks and outlet pieces.

Stone: compare colour and finish with the retained sample; inspect the channel base and thin edges for fissures, chips, filled cracks and rust spots.

Performance documents: check that reports identify the supplied stone and finish, and that any required declaration and marking match the product and intended use.

Arrival and packing: inspect pallet movement, broken straps and damaged channel lips before unloading; check solid wood packaging marks and record defects before installation.

What goes wrong

A groove can look correct in a photograph but vary in depth along the block. Misaligned joint faces create steps that interrupt the drainage run. Outlet pieces may not fit the receiving drain, while thin channel lips chip during packing or unloading. Dry-fit approved samples before production and repeat the fit check on the delivered batch.

A changed quarry or stone bed can alter colour, strength and frost performance. Reports for a different stone or finish do not demonstrate the ordered product's performance. Poorly braced pallets leave cracked blocks hidden beneath intact top layers. Non-compliant solid wood packaging can also be rejected or destroyed, requiring alternative transport arrangements.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.