Sourcing granite tree-surround setts from China
Granite tree-surround paving setts from China carry 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Setts for external paving need a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking for the Great Britain market. Specify ring geometry and check the stone finish. Cambridge China Bridge sources granite tree-surround paving setts.
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Duty on granite tree-surround paving setts
Heading 6801 covers setts, curbstones and flagstones of natural stone, except slate. Granite paving setts laid around tree openings fall within this product family. The table shows product variants sharing the same commodity line. See the stone paving, setts and kerbs guide for the wider 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 record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using photographs, the drawing and the surface finish. Heavily worked or polished stone can move to heading 6802, so check the actual product before declaring it.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey granite tree-surround paving setts | 6801 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the tree opening and ring layout
Agree a plan drawing showing the tree opening, outer boundary, laying pattern and joint allowance. State whether the surround uses rectangular setts or tapered pieces. For tapered pieces, show the inner and outer face widths and how adjoining pieces meet. Ask the factory to dry-lay the surround against the drawing before packing.
Specify the quarry, stone appearance, thickness, dimensional tolerances and exposed finish. Agree a retained sample and the acceptable colour variation. Tell the supplier whether the surround is for pedestrian paving or a location exposed to vehicles, and have the project designer confirm the required performance.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the external paving setts are covered by BS EN 1342 and whether a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking are required. CE marking remains available for the Great Britain market. Match the declared slip resistance and freeze-thaw performance to the supplied stone and finish; arrange testing and certification support where needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of palletised granite tree-surround paving setts 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
Geometry: measure sampled setts against the drawing and dry-lay a surround with the agreed joints. Check the tree opening, ring closure and any tapered pieces.
Stone and finish: compare pieces from different pallets with the retained sample in daylight. Check texture, colour variation, cracks, chipped corners and rust spots.
Documents: match the declaration of performance, marking and test reports to the ordered stone, finish and intended use.
Packing and arrival: check pallet condition, strapping and edge protection before unloading. Photograph broken pieces and pallet labels, and keep affected stock separate while resolving the claim. See quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A surround can look correct in a photograph but fail to close on site because the factory used the wrong face dimensions or ignored joint allowance. Mixed thicknesses create uneven finished levels. Avoid approving loose samples alone: approve a dry-laid layout and keep the drawing with the order.
A quarry substitution can change colour, staining and durability. Inconsistent surface treatment changes the appearance and slip performance around the ring. Reports for a different stone or finish leave the buyer without useful evidence for the delivered batch; resolve those differences before shipment.
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 tree-surround setts from China?
The supplied UK Trade Tariff record gives 0% duty under 6801 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Do granite tree-surround setts need CE or UKCA marking?
CE marking remains available for the Great Britain market.
Can rectangular granite setts form a circular tree surround?
Yes, but the layout must account for changing joint widths. Agree the drawing and joint allowance, then approve a dry-laid surround. Specify tapered pieces if the design needs more uniform joints.
What should I check when the granite setts arrive?
Check dimensions, thickness, ring fit, finish and colour against the approved drawing and sample. Look for cracks, chipped edges and staining, and match the delivered batch to its performance documents.