Sourcing granite memorial headstones from China
Granite memorial headstones from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines of heading 6802. Solid wood packaging must meet international phytosanitary standards for entry into Great Britain. Agree the stone, inscription and fixing details before manufacture. Cambridge China Bridge sources granite memorial headstones.
UK duty on granite memorial headstones
Heading 6802 covers worked monumental stone, including granite memorial headstones. The relevant granite lines distinguish simply cut or sawn material, heavier worked pieces without carving, hand-made carving and other worked granite. See the wider marble and granite guide for other stone products.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 13 October 2026, all relevant granite lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Solid wood crates and packing used to import into Great Britain must nevertheless meet international phytosanitary standards.
Send photographs, drawings, net weight and a description of polishing, lettering and carving to your customs broker. Confirm the commodity code against the finished goods rather than the supplier's description alone.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite memorial blanks, simply cut or sawn with a flat surface | 6802 23 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Polished or otherwise worked granite, not carved, net weight 10 kg or more | 6802 93 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Hand-made carved granite memorials | 6802 93 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other worked granite memorials | 6802 93 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the headstone, inscription and fixing
Name the granite and quarry, approve a colour range from the actual production stone, and specify the headstone and base as a matched set. Record the outline, thickness, edge profile, polished faces and any rough or textured areas. Agree whether lettering and ornament are supplied finished or completed by your memorial mason.
Approve the inscription artwork, spelling, dates, lettering layout and any painted or gilded finish before cutting. Agree fixing-hole positions and dimensions with the installer, together with the base and foundation arrangement. Ask the intended burial ground to confirm that the proposed design and installation are acceptable before manufacture.
Where your business cuts, drills or engraves stone after arrival, employers must assess and control the risks from stone dust exposure. Build that work into your workshop arrangements rather than treating a finished imported headstone as ready for every site.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container order of polished granite headstones and matching bases, without carving under 6802 93 10 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £21,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,500, so it is £4,300. 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
Stone and finish: compare the headstone and base with the approved colour range; inspect under raking light for cracks, filled fissures, chips and uneven polish.
Geometry and fixing: measure the outline, thickness, base contact surfaces and fixing holes against the approved drawings; check that matching components fit together.
Inscription: compare every name, date, symbol and line break with the signed artwork; inspect lettering edges and the consistency of paint or gilding.
Packing and arrival: check individual protection, separation and crate bracing before shipment; solid wood packaging must meet the applicable international phytosanitary standards. On arrival, photograph damage before moving the stone and arrange a quality inspection.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A headstone and base cut from different blocks can look mismatched. Polish can conceal filled fissures, and unsupported edges can chip in transit. Incorrect lettering is difficult to correct without changing the appearance. Keep approved stone photographs and inscription artwork attached to the purchase specification.
Fixing holes that differ from the installer's drawing can force reworking after arrival. Resolve the fixing arrangement before manufacture, inspect it before packing and agree how damaged or incorrectly engraved pieces will be replaced.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on granite headstones from China?
The relevant granite lines in heading 6802 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code covers polished granite headstones?
6802 93 10 00 covers polished or otherwise worked granite, not carved, weighing 10 kg or more net. Carving or other processing can change the line; ask your broker to confirm.
Can the factory engrave the inscription?
Agree the engraving method and approve the exact artwork before manufacture. Check names, dates, symbols and lettering against that approval before shipment.
How do I prevent the headstone and base looking different?
Approve a colour range from the production stone, specify matched sets and inspect each headstone beside its base before packing.