Sourcing metal ornaments and photo frames from China
Bells, gongs, statuettes and other ornaments of base metal from China pay 0% UK duty, and base metal photograph and picture frames and mirrors pay 2%, with no anti-dumping duty. Under UK REACH, lead in articles a child could put in the mouth is limited to 0.05% by weight, which matters for small ornaments and gifts. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal ornaments, frames and gifts.
Base metal bells, statuettes and ornaments pay 0% UK duty from China; metal photo frames and mirrors 2%. Lead limits and product safety explained.
Duty at 0% or 2%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, non-electric bells and gongs of base metal, statuettes and other ornaments plated with precious metal or not, carried 0% duty on goods from China, and photograph, picture or similar frames and mirrors of base metal carried 2%. None had an anti-dumping measure.
Frames of wood or plastics and glass mirrors are in other headings; confirm the commodity code from the main material.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bells, gongs and the like | 8306 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Statuettes and ornaments, plated with precious metal | 8306 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Statuettes and other ornaments, other | 8306 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Photograph and picture frames and mirrors of base metal | 8306 30 00 00 | 2% | None |
Lead and REACH
Entry 63 of Annex XVII to UK REACH limits lead to 0.05% by weight in articles supplied to the general public that could be placed in the mouth by children, with some exemptions. Zinc alloy and brass ornaments can exceed that, so specify the alloy and test samples; the REACH guide covers the wider rules.
Safety and plating
Ornaments and frames must be safe under general product safety law: no sharp edges, stable bases, and secure glazing in frames. Items that look like toys may be treated as toys; the toy safety guide explains the test. Ask for plating thickness and a salt spray result where tarnish matters.
Packing and inspection
Heavy castings and glass fronts break in transit, so agree inner boxes and drop tests. At inspection, check finish, colour against the approved sample, and hanging fittings.
Cambridge China Bridge sources metal ornaments, bells and photo frames, with alloy, finish and packing settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on metal photo frames from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, base metal photograph and picture frames and mirrors carried 2% duty from China, and base metal ornaments 0%.
Is there a lead limit for metal ornaments?
Yes. UK REACH Annex XVII entry 63 limits lead to 0.05% by weight in articles children could put in their mouths, with some exemptions.
Are wooden photo frames in heading 8306?
No. Frames of wood or plastics are classified by their material.
Can an ornament count as a toy?
It can if it is designed or clearly intended for play by children under 14.