Sourcing ornamental koi carp from China
Ornamental koi carp from China carries 0% UK duty under the freshwater ornamental fish line, with no recorded trade remedy. For England and Wales, obtain import authorisation, source approval and a koi biosecurity plan before arranging shipment. Cambridge China Bridge sources ornamental koi carp.
0% duty for freshwater ornamental koi
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 0301 covers live fish. Ornamental koi falls within the freshwater ornamental fish line, 0301 11 00 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension is recorded for that line. The table shows buying specifications sharing this code, rather than separate tariff lines.
The tariff attaches veterinary, CITES import and export, invasive alien species and organic import controls. For China shipments into England and Wales, arrange an official animal health certificate, entry through a suitable border control post and advance notification through IPAFFS. Complete the common health entry document through that system. Check species-specific CITES and invasive-species applicability with your broker; confirm the organic control before accepting any organic claim.
Confirm the scientific identity and ornamental purpose using our commodity-code guide. Do not select the other live carp line merely because the invoice says carp. See the live-fish sourcing guide for the wider heading. These import instructions concern England and Wales; confirm arrangements for other destinations before ordering.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ornamental koi carp, mixed varieties | 0301 11 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify koi identity, pattern and source
Specify the scientific name, variety, measured length, body shape, fin type and colour pattern. State whether the supplier may select a mixed batch or must supply individually photographed fish. Agree how photographs identify the actual fish and how substitutions, damaged fins and missing fish will be handled.
For England and Wales, obtain Fish Health Inspectorate authorisation and approval of the proposed source. The inspectorate checks country approval and whether the source can meet animal health certification requirements. Include the biosecurity measures plan required for ornamental coldwater fish such as koi. Agree receiving facilities, separate equipment and a contingency plan with your fish-health adviser.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative hypothetical batch of selected ornamental koi carp for a specialist pond-fish retailer under 0301 11 00 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,500, so it is £3,500. 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. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Most food for human consumption is zero-rated, and animal feed can be too, in which case no import VAT is due, so check the rate for your product in HMRC's VAT Notice 701/14.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match fish, variety mix and agreed size grades to the purchase specification, photographs and packing records.
Condition: observe swimming, balance and breathing; record damaged fins, skin lesions, missing scales and losses. Visual inspection cannot establish disease freedom.
Packing: check bags for leaks, box damage and identification; record arrival water condition and temperature before following your agreed acclimatisation procedure.
Documents: match the source, species and shipment to the official certificate and border paperwork. Confirm that the receiving team and prepared holding facilities are ready.
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What goes wrong
An attractive photograph can conceal a different batch, inconsistent size grading or damaged fins. Require photographs tied to the purchased fish and written substitution terms. Transport disruption can leave fish in deteriorating water, so agree who will provide care during delays and who records arrival losses.
A duty-free code does not establish source approval. Obtain that approval before paying for fish or booking transport. Prepare the biosecurity plan before arrival and arrange a competent receiving team. Use our inspection guide to organise the commercial checks alongside specialist fish-health advice.
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 ornamental koi carp from China?
The supplied tariff data records 0% under 0301 11 00 00 for freshwater ornamental fish from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Can I order koi from any Chinese breeder?
For England and Wales, the Fish Health Inspectorate must approve the source and check country approval and health-certification capability. Obtain authorisation before arranging the import.
Do imported koi need a biosecurity plan?
Yes. The England and Wales import guidance requires a biosecurity measures plan explaining how you deal with fish health and disease when importing ornamental coldwater fish such as koi.
Do I need a licence to sell imported koi in England?
Commercial pet sales need a licence. Authorised aquaculture production businesses inspected by the Fish Health Inspectorate are exempt. Confirm which route covers your operation with the council and inspectorate.