Sourcing laboratory stools from China
The selected laboratory-stool lines from China carry 0% UK duty throughout, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Stools supplied for use at work must be safe, so far as reasonably practicable. Specify bench fit, stability and cleaning compatibility. Cambridge China Bridge sources laboratory stools.
Laboratory-stool duty depends on construction
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 December 2026, heading 9401 covers seats other than those of heading 9402, and their parts. The selected complete laboratory-stool lines carry 0% duty for goods from China throughout. They show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension. The adjustable swivel line requires both swivel and variable height adjustment.
The selected lines attach cat and dog fur import controls; products containing that fur are banned. The other-seat lines also attach CITES controls and a torture-and-repression import prohibition. For CITES-listed materials, confirm the China shipment's permits and species-specific requirements with your customs broker before dispatch. Ask the broker to confirm the torture-related requirement against the stool and tariff footnotes.
Send photographs, frame materials, upholstery details and adjustment functions to your broker to confirm the commodity code. A plastic seat on a metal base needs assessment as a complete stool. See the dental operator stool guide for related seating within the wider heading. Allow for 20% import VAT and consult the duty and VAT guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-wooden laboratory swivel stools with variable height adjustment | 9401 39 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other upholstered laboratory stools with metal frames | 9401 71 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other non-upholstered laboratory stools with metal frames | 9401 79 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other laboratory stools without wooden or metal frames | 9401 80 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify bench fit and cleaning compatibility
Specify the actual bench height, knee clearance, usable seat-height range, seat shape, back support and foot-ring position. Agree whether the stool uses glides or castors, including wheel material and braking behaviour on the laboratory floor. Record the intended user load, base footprint, gas-lift model and replacement components. Approve a fully assembled sample at the intended workstation.
Stools supplied for use at work must be safe, so far as reasonably practicable. Agree strength, stability and repeated-adjustment checks with the testing laboratory. Specify seat, cover, filling and frame materials, then trial the intended cleaning agents on the sample. Obtain cleaning and assembly instructions, and request evidence for any chemical-resistance, cleanroom or static-control claims through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 upholstered metal-frame laboratory stools under 9401 71 00 00, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,500, so it is £5,100. 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
Fit and stability: assemble on a level surface; compare seat height, base footprint, foot-ring position and rocking with the approved sample.
Adjustment and movement: operate the lift and swivel; check sinking, sticking, excessive play, castor retention and braking behaviour.
Surfaces and cleaning: inspect welds, sharp edges, seams, cracks and coating damage; compare cleaning-trial results with the agreed materials.
Packing and assembly: count fittings, trial the supplied instructions and inspect protection between the base, gas lift and seat. Agree shipment checks using the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A stool can reach the bench yet leave inadequate knee clearance or put the foot ring beyond comfortable reach. Castors can move unexpectedly on smooth floors, while a loose foot ring or sinking lift changes the working position. Trial the complete stool at the intended bench before approving production.
A substituted cover or moulded seat may soften, crack or become tacky during cleaning. Open seams and exposed fixings can make cleaning awkward. Freeze the approved materials and components, retain the sample and investigate arrival defects before putting stools into service.
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 stools from China?
The selected complete laboratory-stool lines carry 0% duty throughout, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Confirm the code against the stool's construction and adjustment functions.
Which commodity code covers adjustable laboratory stools?
Non-wooden swivel stools with variable height adjustment are covered by 9401 39 00 00. Confirm both functions and the finished construction; rotation alone does not establish this classification.
How do I check whether a laboratory stool suits my bench?
Trial an assembled sample at the actual bench. Check seat-height adjustment, knee clearance, back support, foot-ring reach and whether glides or castors suit the floor and task.
Can laboratory stools withstand disinfectant cleaning?
Specify the intended cleaning agents and method, then trial them on the actual seat, cover, seams and frame finish. Ask for supporting evidence rather than accepting a general chemical-resistance claim.