Sourcing moulded wax figurines from China

0% duty on moulded wax figurines

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9602 covers moulded or carved wax articles alongside other specified materials. Both hand-made and other goods from China carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. The table shows different figurine designs using the available codes.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches veterinary control to both lines for products of animal origin. The importer should confirm the requirement for the finished figurine with their customs broker, especially where beeswax or another animal-origin ingredient is used. APHA guidance for technical-use beeswax requires a commercial document attesting to its refinement or processing method; confirm whether that guidance applies to your finished article.

This guide concerns decorative wax figurines. Candles fall under heading 3406 in the site's published background. Confirm the commodity code using the composition, intended use and manufacturing method. For another product family within this heading, see moulded investment-casting wax patterns.

Specify the wax blend and moulded detail

Specify the wax composition and ingredient origins, colour, opacity, surface finish, dimensions, weight and base stability. Agree acceptable mould seams, air bubbles and repaired areas. Use an approved sample to define facial features, fingers, ears and other thin projections. Agree how pieces are supported inside the pack and how samples will be assessed after exposure to the expected transport and display conditions.

Consumer display figurines supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Review break-off pieces, exposed supports and foreseeable handling. If the product is intended as a toy, toy essential safety requirements apply; arrange a separate review before ordering. Agree testing appropriate to the actual design and use through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed order of moulded wax display figurines for a gift shop under 9602 00 00 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,000, so it is £800. 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

Shape and detail: compare unpacked samples with the approved figurine; check faces, projections, mould seams, voids and base flatness.

Surface and colour: check for scuffs, fingerprints, colour variation, paint transfer and oily residue on the wrapping.

Heat and handling: inspect for leaning, softened features and pressure marks; assess samples under the agreed transport and display conditions.

Packing and materials: check individual supports, separation between pieces, carton identification and the ingredient declaration. Confirm unresolved animal-origin paperwork before dispatch. See quality inspection explained.

What goes wrong

A changed wax blend can alter hardness and soften details. Thin projections break when tight inserts grip them, while unsupported figures lean or acquire pressure marks in transit. Heavy paint can hide fine detail, and coloured surfaces can stain wrapping or neighbouring pieces.

Approve the packed sample as well as the unpacked figurine. On arrival, photograph deformation and breakage before discarding packaging, compare affected pieces with the approved sample, and record the carton and production batch. Resolve ingredient substitutions and the veterinary-control question before repeat orders.

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.