Sourcing mantel clocks from China
Mantel clocks from China attract UK duty of 2% to 4%: battery quartz and other electrically operated models pay 4%, while mechanical models pay 2%. Demonstrate product safety compliance before sale, and check the case materials against CITES controls. Cambridge China Bridge sources mantel clocks.
Mantel clock duty: 2% or 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 9105 covers other clocks. Mantel clocks without an alarm normally use the other-clock lines; models with an alarm need the alarm-clock lines checked. Battery quartz movements count as electrically operated. Clocks with watch movements and movements sold separately fall outside this heading. Confirm the finished product's commodity code, including its alarm function.
Goods from China pay 4% when electrically operated and 2% otherwise. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension. It attaches CITES import and export controls and a DCMS export licence measure. For Chinese goods containing listed species, check the material and CITES paperwork: permits are required for species listed in Annex A, B or C. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import documents and any onward-export requirements.
The table includes alarm-equipped mantel models so buyers can compare the relevant branches. For wall-mounted products and the wider family, see wall clocks and alarm clocks. The order values shown are illustrative rather than a supplier quotation; see UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrically operated mantel clocks without an alarm | 9105 91 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Mechanical mantel clocks without an alarm | 9105 99 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Electrically operated alarm clocks for mantel display | 9105 11 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Mechanical alarm clocks for mantel display | 9105 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the movement, chime and mantel footprint
Specify quartz or mechanical operation, movement identity, hand weight, ticking or sweep action, and the agreed timekeeping tolerance. Distinguish an alarm from a decorative chime. For chiming models, approve the sound, volume control, shut-off operation and synchronisation with the dial. Record case dimensions, base depth, weight, feet, finish, glazing and access to winding or battery replacement.
Products should only be sold once product safety compliance has been demonstrated appropriately. For mains-powered clocks and supplied mains adaptors, confirm the applicable electrical safety evidence requirements with the relevant product safety authority. For electrically operated clocks and supplied batteries, confirm any waste electrical equipment and battery producer obligations with the relevant environmental regulator. Choose button-cell models with secure battery compartments. Match the evidence to the supplied movement, adaptor and finished clock rather than accepting documents for a different model.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,000 battery quartz mantel clocks under 9105 91 00 00, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,500. Duty at 4% is £1,060. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,560, so it is £5,512. Import taxes total £6,572; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,060 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Movement and chime: run samples beside a reference clock, record gain or loss, check hand clearance throughout the dial, and confirm chime timing and shut-off operation.
Case and base: check the clock sits without rocking, inspect feet and base joints, compare finish with the approved sample, and look for sharp edges, loose glazing and chipped corners.
Access and documents: operate the rear door, winding key or battery cover, check instructions against the actual controls, and match electrical evidence to supplied components.
Packing and arrival: inspect cartons for impact damage, check cushioning around glazing and projecting trim, and unpack samples to find loose hands, cracked cases and detached feet.
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What goes wrong
A sample can look correct while the production movement ticks more loudly, struggles with heavy hands or loses time. Chimes can sound at the wrong dial position, and a shut-off switch can silence only part of the sequence. Keep an approved working sample and compare production clocks for sound and operation as well as appearance.
Heavy cases can break through inadequate cushioning, while projecting trim and glass take the first impact. Uneven feet make a clock rock on a mantel, and poorly positioned rear doors make routine winding awkward. Test the packed product and rehearse normal use before approving shipment.
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 mantel clocks from China?
Electrically operated mantel clocks, including battery quartz models, pay 4%; mechanical models pay 2%. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code covers a battery mantel clock?
A battery quartz mantel clock without an alarm normally uses 9105 91 00 00. An alarm-equipped model needs the alarm-clock branch checked. Confirm the finished product's functions before declaring it.
Do battery mantel clocks have recycling obligations?
For electrically operated clocks and batteries supplied with them, confirm any applicable waste electrical equipment and battery producer obligations with the relevant environmental regulator.
What should I check on a chiming mantel clock?
Check that the chime matches the dial position, the sound matches the approved sample, the volume and shut-off controls work, and the clock sits steadily on its base.