Sourcing lithographic crayons from China
Relevant UK tariff lines carry 0% to 2% duty on goods from China, depending on construction and classification. Lithographic crayons sold as consumer goods in Great Britain must be safe; check chemical classification where the formulation is supplied as a mixture. Cambridge China Bridge sources lithographic crayons.
Duty depends on the crayon's construction
Heading 9609 covers pencils, crayons, pencil leads, pastels, drawing charcoals and chalks. For loose lithographic crayons, assess the other-articles line, 9609 90 90 00. Sheathed non-graphite crayons have a separate line. The table includes adjacent pencil-lead and pastel lines to help distinguish the goods being ordered.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the other-articles line carried 0% duty on goods from China; sheathed non-graphite crayons, pencil leads, and pastels and drawing charcoals carried 2%. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls.
Give your broker the composition, photographs, sheath construction and intended use, then confirm the commodity code. For wider heading coverage, see chinagraph pencils. The worked order is illustrative and assumes classification under the other-articles line.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other crayons, including loose lithographic sticks subject to classification | 9609 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Non-graphite pencils and crayons with leads encased in a sheath | 9609 10 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Black or coloured pencil leads, for comparison with replacement cores | 9609 20 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Pastels and drawing charcoals, for comparison with other drawing sticks | 9609 90 10 00 | 2% | None |
Specify hardness and lithographic printing performance
Specify use on lithographic stone or plate, the prepared surface, hardness, stick dimensions, shape and wrapping or sheath. Agree an approved sample for each grade. Ask for ingredient information and storage guidance. Approve the crayon through drawing, processing and proof printing with your own materials; a dark mark alone does not establish printing performance.
Crayons sold as consumer goods in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Where the supplied formulation is a chemical mixture, classification is the supplier's responsibility, and correct labelling and packaging are required before placing it on the market. Arrange a formulation review through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 1,200 loose lithographic crayon sticks, illustrative only, assuming this classification under 9609 90 90 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £540 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,040. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,040, so it is £608. 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
Grade and dimensions: compare hardness, shape, length and wrapping with the approved samples; check sharpening behaviour and resistance to crumbling.
Drawing: test fine lines, broad shading and grain response on the agreed surface, using consistent pressure and preparation.
Printing: process a sample drawing and pull a proof; compare detail retention, ink pickup and unwanted background marks with the approved result.
Packing and identification: check broken sticks, deformation, grade mix-ups and batch identification on arrival. Match ingredient documents and label artwork to the supplied formulation. Use an agreed inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A substitute drawing crayon may make a convincing black mark yet perform poorly during lithographic processing. Hardness changes can alter shading and line detail; brittle sticks crumble, while soft sticks smear or deform in transit. Approve a processed print alongside the drawing sample.
Keep approval samples and proof prints for repeat orders. If a batch behaves differently, compare its formulation, grade and storage history before accepting it. Agree protective packing and investigate broken or softened sticks before releasing stock.
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 lithographic crayons from China?
The supplied tariff records show 0% under 9609 90 90 00 and 2% for sheathed non-graphite crayons under 9609 10 90 00. Confirm construction and classification before using either rate.
Can ordinary wax crayons replace lithographic crayons?
Approve them only after drawing, processing and proof printing on your intended stone or plate. Colour and drawing feel alone do not demonstrate lithographic performance.
How should I specify lithographic crayon hardness?
Agree a sample for each grade and describe the required fine-line, shading and grain response. Compare production samples using the same surface preparation and printing process.
What chemical information should I request from the factory?
Request ingredient information and the classification assessment for the supplied formulation. Where it is a chemical mixture, suppliers are responsible for classification and correct labelling and packaging.