Sourcing lenticular printed pictures from China

Duty and classification for lenticular pictures

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, heading 4911 covers other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs. For finished lenticular pictures classified under 4911 91 00 90, the recorded China duty is 0%, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension. The table shows picture formats sharing this code, rather than separate tariff lines.

The supplied tariff record attaches a DCMS Export Licence control to the picture line. Official guidance says there are no licensing requirements for importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain. Ask your customs broker to confirm how the attached export control and any document waiver apply to your declaration.

Confirm the commodity code using a finished sample, its lens material, backing and intended use. Commercial advertising formats need a separate classification check. See posters and printed matter for the wider heading. Import VAT follows the treatment of the finished goods; confirm it with HMRC or your broker using the import duty and VAT guide.

Specify the lens and image effect together

Specify whether the picture should show depth, change between images or create apparent motion. Agree finished dimensions, lens material, lens pitch, thickness, lens direction, backing and mounting method. Describe the intended viewing distance and whether the viewer moves sideways or tilts the picture.

Provide the source artwork and agree who prepares the interlaced print file. Approve a physical sample made with the production lens and printing process. Record acceptable image separation, colour, sharpness and transition behaviour. Keep the signed sample for comparison with production and arrived stock.

Businesses importing or selling consumer products in the UK are responsible for their safety. Include cut edges, detachable backing and mounting security in the sample review, alongside the optical effect.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: A mixed batch of lenticular printed pictures; illustrative order, not a quote under 4911 91 00 90, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,800, so it is £1,360. 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

Optical effect: move through the agreed viewing positions and compare depth, image sequence, transition and ghosting with the signed sample.

Print registration: check alignment between the interlaced image and lens, especially around faces, fine detail and lettering.

Construction: check lens scratches, trapped dust, bubbles, lifting corners, backing adhesion and cut edges.

Arrival condition: check flatness, surface scuffs, damaged corners and carton counts; compare pictures from different cartons with the approved sample.

What goes wrong

A lens pitch mismatch or skewed registration can leave overlapping images, blurred detail or an effect visible only from an awkward angle. A flat artwork proof cannot establish the lenticular effect. Freeze the lens specification and interlaced artwork after approving the physical sample.

Lens surfaces can scratch against neighbouring sheets, while uneven bonding can leave bubbles or lifted edges. Agree non-abrasive separators and flat protective packing, then inspect both packed goods and arrived pictures. Use the quality inspection guide to turn the signed sample into an inspection brief.

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.