Sourcing pendant light fittings from China
Pendant light fittings from China carry 2% to 4% UK duty on the selected lines, depending on material. Confirm applicable electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance requirements for mains fittings with the relevant authority; match compliance documents to the supplied construction. Cambridge China Bridge sources pendant light fittings.
Pendant fitting duty: 2% or 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the selected pendant fitting lines within heading 9405 carried 4% duty for plastics or ceramics and 2% for glass or other materials. The heading covers luminaires, lighting fittings and related parts; this guide focuses on complete electric ceiling pendants. The selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions. For UK-to-China trade, see our guide to exporting lighting fittings to China.
The tariff attaches an import control of mercury to 9405 11 40 90 and a DCMS Export Licence entry to all selected lines. Mercury controls concern products with intentionally added mercury. Confirm the product-specific mercury requirement with your customs broker before ordering; also ask the broker to confirm the relevance of the export-control entry.
Distinguish fittings designed solely for LED light sources from other fittings, then confirm material and whether the product is hand-made. Send construction details and photographs when checking the commodity code. See LED track lighting for wider heading coverage.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pendant fittings solely for LED light sources, of plastics or ceramics | 9405 11 40 90 | 4% | None |
| Pendant fittings solely for LED light sources, of glass | 9405 11 50 00 | 2% | None |
| Other pendant fittings solely for LED light sources, of other materials | 9405 11 90 90 | 2% | None |
| Other pendant fittings, of plastics or ceramics | 9405 19 40 90 | 4% | None |
| Other pendant fittings, of glass | 9405 19 50 00 | 2% | None |
| Other pendant fittings, of other materials, not hand-made | 9405 19 90 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the shade, suspension and light source
Agree shade material, dimensions, finish, ceiling rose, hanging cable or chain, adjustment method and mounting hardware. Specify whether the light source is replaceable, the lampholder or driver model, dimmer compatibility and access for maintenance. For integral light sources, agree light output, colour temperature, colour rendering and flicker checks against an approved sample.
Confirm applicable electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance requirements for mains lighting with the relevant authority, including any declaration and technical documentation needed for the supplied model. Also confirm whether ecodesign and energy-information requirements apply to the light sources, and whether waste electrical equipment producer registration is required for the lamps and luminaires you supply. Importers must ensure electrical equipment has easily understandable English instructions. Agree the evidence package through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 metal pendant light fittings solely for LED light sources under 9405 11 90 90, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,500. Duty at 2% is £510. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,010, so it is £5,202. Import taxes total £5,712; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £510 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Suspension: assemble the pendant and check cable grips, chain connections, adjustment locks and the ceiling mounting bracket against the approved construction.
Electrical assembly: check terminals, cable routing, strain relief and protection from sharp metal edges; arrange electrical testing appropriate to the construction.
Shade and finish: inspect glass rims, ceramic edges, shade alignment, plating and paint; compare colour and visible defects with the approved sample.
Arrival condition: open representative cartons, inspect protective inserts and glass for cracks, assemble the fitting and check labels, instructions and supplied hardware against the order.
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What goes wrong
A suspension grip can slip, a mounting bracket can distort, or a decorative edge can rub through the cable. Glass shades can arrive chipped where packaging allows movement. An approved finish can change between batches, while a substituted driver can cause flicker or poor dimmer behaviour.
Freeze the driver, lampholder, cable, suspension hardware and shade construction in the purchase specification. Require written approval for substitutions and reassess the supporting test evidence after changes. Keep an assembled reference sample and record defects by batch so replacement shades and fittings match.
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 pendant lights from China?
The selected complete pendant fitting lines carry 4% for plastics or ceramics and 2% for glass or other materials, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties or suspensions.
Does fitting an LED bulb make a pendant an LED-only fitting?
Check the fitting's design, not just the bulb supplied. The tariff separates fittings designed solely for LED light sources from other fittings. Confirm the construction before selecting the code.
What should I ask the factory to specify?
Ask for shade material, suspension hardware, cable adjustment, mounting bracket, lampholder or driver model, dimmer compatibility and maintenance access. Keep an approved assembled sample.
What should I check when pendant lights arrive?
Check glass and ceramic edges, suspension grips, cable routing, mounting hardware, finish consistency and instructions. Assemble samples and compare the supplied components with the approved specification.