Sourcing laboratory ceramic crucibles from China
Laboratory ceramic crucibles from China normally carry 4% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure listed. Classification depends on the ceramic body and hardness. Workplace articles fall under general workplace supply law where more specific product safety law does not apply. Cambridge China Bridge sources laboratory ceramic crucibles.
Duty and classification for laboratory crucibles
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, heading 6909 covers laboratory, chemical and other technical ceramic wares, alongside agricultural receptacles and packing containers. This guide concerns laboratory crucibles. Porcelain, articles with Mohs hardness of 9 or more, and other laboratory ceramics have separate classifications. See the wider ceramics guide.
The relevant lines carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure listed. The suspensions for spherical alumina balls and specified ceramic-carbon cartridges do not describe ordinary crucibles. The tariff also attaches waste import controls and waste and cultural-object export controls. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the Chinese exporter must apply to its competent authority for consent. Confirm the applicable waste requirements with your customs broker before shipping.
Give your broker the composition, hardness evidence, intended laboratory use and drawings to confirm the commodity code. Do not assume a refractory melting crucible belongs here merely because a laboratory uses it. The table includes alternative product descriptions sharing a code, rather than additional tariff subdivisions.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain laboratory crucibles | 6909 11 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Laboratory crucibles with Mohs hardness of 9 or more | 6909 12 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other laboratory ceramic crucibles, subject to classification | 6909 19 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the ceramic body and heating cycle
Specify composition and purity, glazed or unglazed surfaces, working capacity, rim diameter, height, wall thickness, base shape and lid fit. Describe the sample material, furnace atmosphere, operating temperature, heating and cooling cycle, and cleaning method. Ask for batch composition results and a material data sheet covering the conditions you intend to use.
HSE states that general workplace supply law applies to articles for use at work where more specific product safety law does not apply. As a purchasing check, ask for written handling and heating instructions, and trial samples in your actual process before accepting the production specification. Record acceptable cracking, contamination and dimensional criteria in the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An assorted stock order of porcelain laboratory crucibles, illustrative only under 6909 11 00 00, invoiced at £1,500 free on board, with £700 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,200. Duty at 4% is £88. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,288, so it is £457.60. Import taxes total £545.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £88 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Body: inspect rims, bases and inner surfaces for cracks, chips, glaze defects and loose particles.
Fit: measure dimensions against the drawing, check that each crucible sits steadily, and try its matching lid.
Batch evidence: match composition results and batch identification to the delivered goods; compare sampled pieces with the approved sample.
Packing: check that bodies and lids are separated and cushioned, then inspect arrival damage before releasing stock. Use the inspection guide to prepare the brief.
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What goes wrong
A crucible can match the catalogue shape yet have a different ceramic composition or glaze. That can change its behaviour during heating or introduce contamination into the sample. Poor lid fit, uneven bases, hidden cracks and rim damage also cause rejected stock.
Agree the body composition and process trial before production, retain an approved sample, and compare each delivered batch against it. Do not accept a generic temperature claim as evidence that the crucible suits your heating cycle.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on laboratory ceramic crucibles from China?
The relevant heading 6909 lines carry 4% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure is listed in the supplied tariff snapshot.
Are alumina laboratory crucibles duty-free?
Do not assume so. The suspension under 6909 12 00 00 describes specified spherical alumina balls, rather than crucibles. Confirm the crucible's classification and applicable measures.
Are laboratory and melting crucibles classified together?
Not necessarily. Laboratory ceramics and refractory ceramic goods have different heading descriptions. Give your broker the composition, intended use and material properties.
What should I test before buying a production batch?
Trial samples with your material, furnace atmosphere and heating cycle. Check cracking, contamination, lid fit and stability, then agree the acceptance criteria with the factory.