Sourcing pewter candlesticks from China

0% duty on pewter candlesticks

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 8007 covers other articles of tin. Pewter candlesticks fall within the other-articles line, 8007 00 80 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. The table shows candlestick variants sharing this commodity line.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls to this line. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For a shipment from China described as scrap, waste or goods for recovery, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before dispatch; the tariff entry alone does not settle the shipment procedure.

Confirm the alloy and finished product with your broker using finding your commodity code. A pewter-coloured finish does not establish the underlying metal. For the wider heading, see pewter and tin articles. Import VAT is separate from duty; see UK import duty and VAT.

Specify the alloy, candle socket and base

Specify the alloy composition, finished weight, height, base dimensions, candle socket diameter and depth, drip-tray shape and any removable joints. State the intended candle type and agree samples with those candles fitted. For branched designs, check arm alignment and the balance of the assembled piece.

Consumer candlesticks supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the general product safety rules. Assess tipping, candle retention and heat exposure during use. Agree polished, satin or antique finishes, engraving areas, cleaning instructions and protective packing against an approved sample.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 900 pewter candlesticks, illustrative order under 8007 00 80 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £28,500, so it is £5,700. 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

Alloy: match the batch composition certificate to the agreed alloy and arrange laboratory checks where needed.

Fit and stability: fit the intended candle, check that the base sits flat, and examine sockets, stems and branched joints for looseness.

Heat and finish: assess a sample during candle burning; check for distortion, loosening, pits, sharp casting seams and uneven polishing.

Packing: check individual protection, rigid boxes and separation between projecting parts. Inspect for bent stems and dented drip trays after unpacking.

What goes wrong

A socket that looks correct can leave the intended candle leaning or loose. A warped base rocks on a table, while uneven branches change the balance. Casting pits, visible seams and inconsistent polishing can make matched pairs look different. Soft pewter can arrive dented when projecting parts press against each other.

Approve the assembled sample with the intended candle, then compare production against it. Record alloy, fit, finish and packing defects before accepting the shipment. Use the quality inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.

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.