Sourcing granite stepping stones from China

Zero duty on granite paving flags

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6801 covers natural stone setts, curbstones and flagstones other than slate. Granite stepping stones supplied as paving flags fall within this product family. The supplied tariff facts contain only the commodity line shown in the table.

The duty for goods from China is 0%. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT. Packaging checks remain relevant even where the stone tariff line has no attached controls.

Confirm the commodity code using the stone, intended use and degree of working. Heavily worked or polished stone can move to heading 6802. For the wider heading, see stone paving, setts and kerbs.

Specify the stepping surface and underside

Specify the granite name, quarry source, approved colour range and surface finish. For round or irregular stones, approve an outline template and usable stepping area. Agree thickness tolerances, underside flatness, edge treatment and acceptable chips. Tell the factory how the stones will be supported so the supplied thickness and strength can be assessed for the intended installation.

For stones supplied as external paving slabs, confirm with the relevant authority whether BS EN 1341 applies and whether a declaration of performance and CE or UKCA marking are required. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Ask for slip resistance, flexural strength, water absorption and freeze-thaw results that match the supplied stone and finish.

For solid wood pallets or crates, check for a legible ISPM15 mark. Official guidance states that wood packaging bearing this mark meets the standard and does not need phytosanitary or treatment certificates. Agree separators, edge protection and strapping that prevent individual stones moving during transport.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 25 tonnes of palletised granite stepping stones, illustrative order 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

Stone: compare pieces from different pallets with the approved sample in daylight; check colour variation, rust spots, veins and cracks.

Shape and thickness: check outlines against the template, measure thickness and inspect the underside for projections that could cause rocking.

Surface and documents: compare the walking finish with the approved sample; match the declaration, marking and performance reports to the supplied product.

Packing and arrival: check pallet stability, separators, strapping and wooden packaging marks; photograph broken edges and cracked stones before unpacking further. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.

What goes wrong

A factory can supply the approved colour but change the quarry source or finish. Stones then vary in staining, texture or strength. Irregular shapes may leave less usable walking space than the sample suggests, while uneven thickness or projecting undersides make installation difficult.

Thin edges chip when stones touch inside a crate, and hidden cracks become visible during unloading. A generic paving report can also refer to a different stone or surface. Approve the sample, outline and documents together, then check the shipment against them before loading and again on arrival.

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.