Sourcing gypsum fire protection boards from China

Duty and board classification

Heading 6809 covers articles of plaster or compositions based on plaster. Gypsum fire protection boards fall within its board lines according to their facing and reinforcement. The table separates common board variants that share tariff codes. For other plaster products, see our plaster coving and plasterboard guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, both relevant board lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions. Both attach waste import and export controls. If a shipment from China is waste subject to notification, dispatch, transit and destination authorities must consent before shipment. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for your consignment.

Confirm the gypsum composition, facing and reinforcement before choosing the commodity code. Paper facing alone does not settle classification if another material reinforces the board. Keep the material specification with the customs documents.

Specify the board and its intended construction

Specify the gypsum core, reinforcement, facing, length, width, thickness, edge profile and intended use. Gypsum plasterboard is covered by BS EN 520 and gypsum boards with fibrous reinforcement by BS EN 15283. Confirm the applicable declaration-of-performance and marking requirements with the relevant authority for products covered by designated standards. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products in Great Britain.

Fire resistance of a wall or floor depends on construction quality and materials. Ask for evidence matching the proposed board, framing, board layers, fixings and joint treatment. Have the project designer review the proposed construction before approving a substitute. Agree the document checks through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,500 paper-faced gypsum fire protection boards; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 6809 11 00 00, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,900, so it is £1,980. 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

Identity: match the supplied board designation, manufacturer and batch identification to the order, performance declaration and supporting reports.

Dimensions: measure sampled boards for length, width, thickness, squareness and edge profile against the agreed specification and declared board type.

Condition: check for cracked cores, broken corners, loose facing, blisters, bowing and moisture marks, including boards inside the pallet.

Packing: check flat support, edge protection and weather protection before loading; photograph pallet condition and any damage on arrival. Use our quality inspection guide to define the checks.

What goes wrong

A supplier offers a board with a similar appearance but different reinforcement, thickness or supporting evidence. Documents describe a different product or construction from the goods ordered. Check these matches before accepting the production specification; an appearance check cannot establish fire performance.

Transit damage leaves crushed edges, cracked cores or damp facing. Inspect beneath the outer wrapping on arrival and separate damaged boards before installation. Record the affected batch and pallet, then agree replacement or other action against the purchase specification.

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.