Sourcing Ludo sets from China
Ludo sets from China fall within other table or parlour games, carrying 0% UK duty in the supplied tariff snapshot. For sets designed or intended for children under 14, confirm with Trading Standards whether UK toy safety rules apply. Fix the board, pieces, dice and intended age before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources Ludo sets.
UK duty on Ludo sets
Heading 9504 covers table and parlour games alongside other game equipment. Ordinary Ludo sets fall within other games under 9504 90 80 00. The formats in the table share that code; they are not separate tariff lines. See the backgammon sets guide for related goods within the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, Ludo sets under this line carried 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The tariff attaches ivory and CITES import controls, alongside export controls. For any ivory component, confirm the exemption and customs documentation with your broker. Covered ivory requires an exemption for dealing; CITES-listed materials may require permits.
Confirm the commodity code against the complete set and its materials before ordering. For CITES-listed materials, check the permit position for the particular species before shipping from China. Do not treat the tariff control as proof that every wooden or plastic Ludo set needs a wildlife permit.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ludo sets with folding cardboard boards | 9504 90 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the board, pieces and dice
Write down the board material, open and folded dimensions, printed layout, surface finish and storage arrangement. Specify the piece shape, colour, material and quantity by colour, plus the dice and rule leaflet. For magnetic travel sets, agree how the magnets are retained and how firmly pieces stay on the board. Keep an approved complete sample.
State the intended age and sales market. For sets designed or intended for play by children under 14, confirm with Trading Standards whether UK toy safety rules apply. Toy manufacturers must draw up technical documentation and retain it with the declaration of conformity for 10 years. Plan the testing and warnings before production, using testing and certification support.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 boxed Ludo sets under 9504 90 80 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,000, so it is £600. 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
Board: check flatness, folds, print alignment and whether the playing surface lifts or cracks when opened.
Components: count pieces by colour and dice against the packing list; check sharp edges, loose parts and colour consistency.
Play: follow the supplied rules using a finished set; check that pieces fit the spaces and magnetic pieces remain attached during handling.
Packing: open packed cartons and check crushed corners, missing leaflets, damp board and movement inside the box. Repeat these checks on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A sample can look complete while packed stock has missing pieces, mixed colours or an incorrect rule leaflet. Printed boards can warp, split at the fold or peel at the edges. Test a packed production set against the approved sample rather than approving only the artwork.
Travel sets need particular attention to loose magnets and weak closures. A material change can also invalidate the agreed testing plan. Record the materials in the order and ask for approval before substitution.
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 Ludo sets from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot gives 0% for other games under 9504 90 80 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Are Ludo sets covered by UK toy rules?
For sets designed or intended for play by children under 14, confirm with Trading Standards whether toy safety rules apply. Set the intended age before production and plan the testing and warnings accordingly.
What should I specify for a magnetic travel Ludo set?
Specify the board, piece dimensions, magnet retention, holding strength, closure and storage layout. Approve a complete packed sample and inspect production sets.
What should I check when Ludo sets arrive?
Count pieces and dice, inspect board folds and print, check the rule leaflet and open cartons for damp or crushed packaging. Compare the goods with the approved sample.