Sourcing natural stone balustrades from China
Natural stone balustrades from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 6802 lines. Confirm with the relevant authority whether a designated construction product standard applies and whether a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking are required. Settle the guarding design and fixings before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources natural stone balustrades.
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UK duty on natural stone balustrades
Heading 6802 covers worked monumental or building stone and articles thereof, excluding slate. Natural stone balusters, posts, base rails and handrails need classification by stone type and processing. The table selects lines relevant to worked balustrade components; it does not assign the same code to every component.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all supplied heading 6802 lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Solid wood packing still needs compliant treatment and marking, as described in the site's published stone guide.
Give your broker the stone identity, photographs, manufacturing method and component weights to confirm the commodity code. For related building stone within this heading, see natural stone stair treads.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-carved marble or travertine balustrade components | 6802 91 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other worked marble or travertine balustrade components | 6802 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Hand-carved limestone balustrade components | 6802 92 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other worked limestone balustrade components | 6802 92 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Hand-carved granite balustrade components | 6802 93 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other granite balustrade components within this tariff line | 6802 93 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the stone and complete balustrade assembly
Specify the quarry and stone type, approved colour range, finish, baluster profile, post sections, rail joints and repair policy. Agree drawings showing the assembled height, clear openings, staircase rake, corner transitions and fixing holes. Ask the project designer to approve the stone, anchors, supporting structure and complete assembly before manufacture.
CE marking remains recognised for construction products in Great Britain. Ask a testing adviser to establish the applicable route for the actual product and intended use; do not assume a tile or slab report covers the assembled balustrade.
In England, Approved Document K provides guidance on protection from falling. Have the project designer settle the guarding geometry and load assessment for the installation. For outdoor stone, request evidence of water absorption, flexural strength and frost resistance relevant to the proposed exposure.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative container consignment of granite balusters, rails and posts for a small building contractor under 6802 93 90 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £21,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,500, so it is £4,300. 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
Stone and repairs: compare components with the approved colour range; inspect narrow baluster necks, drilled holes and rail ends for cracks, filled fissures and chips.
Geometry: measure profiles, heights, joint faces and hole positions against the approved drawings; trial-assemble straight runs, corners and sloping rail sections.
Fixings and records: check supplied anchors, dowels and installation details against the designer's specification; match stone test reports and any declared performance to the delivered product.
Packing and arrival: check bracing, separated contact surfaces, component identification and compliant solid wood packing marks. Photograph damaged crates before unpacking and check every exposed rail end and baluster neck. Arrange quality inspection before shipment.
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What goes wrong
Different stone blocks produce mismatched posts and rails. Narrow baluster necks crack during handling, filled fissures become visible after installation, and incorrect hole positions stop joints aligning. Curved rails or staircase components made without approved assembly drawings can leave uneven joints and inconsistent openings.
An attractive stone sample does not establish the performance of the installed guarding. Resolve the complete fixing arrangement before cutting stone, approve a trial assembly and keep components identified by installation position. Check arrival damage before installation obscures the broken edges or cracks.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on natural stone balustrades from China?
The supplied heading 6802 data shows 0% duty on all relevant lines for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do natural stone balustrades need CE or UKCA marking?
Establish the applicable route for the actual balustrade and intended use.
Can the factory choose the balustrade fixings?
Have the project designer approve anchors, dowels, joints and the supporting structure before manufacture. Ask the factory to produce components to those approved details.
How do I prevent cracked or mismatched stone balusters?
Approve the colour range, inspect narrow necks and repaired fissures, trial-assemble the components and check crate bracing. Photograph damage during unpacking.