Sourcing plastic wet floor signs from China
Plastic wet floor signs entered under 3926 90 97 90 carry 6% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. HSE guidance says signs warn of a hazard but do not prevent entry to the area. Confirm classification and check stability and artwork. Cambridge China Bridge sources plastic wet floor signs.
UK duty on plastic wet floor signs
Heading 3926 covers other articles of plastics. The residual line 3926 90 97 90 is a classification candidate for ordinary plastic wet floor signs. The table distinguishes purchasing designs within the same line, rather than separate tariff categories. The wider heading is covered in custom plastic parts and articles.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, this line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Its suspensions are restricted to named goods and uses; do not assume a sign qualifies. The tariff attaches veterinary control, an import prohibition on torture and repression goods, and related export restrictions. Applicability to these signs remains unconfirmed: ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for goods from China.
Send photographs, material composition, construction details and intended use to your broker before accepting the commodity code. Describe the actual sign on the invoice, including any separate base or attached components.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding plastic wet floor signs, classification to confirm | 3926 90 97 90 | 6% | None |
Specify opening stops, stability and warning artwork
Specify the resin grade, permitted recycled content, colour, open footprint, folded dimensions and handle shape. For folding signs, agree the hinge construction and opening stop. For cones, agree base construction and nesting clearance. State whether use is indoors or outdoors and trial samples in the intended setting.
Approve the warning pictogram, wording, contrast and print positions on every displayed face. Agree print adhesion checks using the buyer's intended cleaning products. Ask for UK REACH substance information covering the resin, pigments and additives. Where signs are supplied as consumer products in Great Britain, confirm the applicable product safety requirements with the relevant authority.
HSE guidance says signs and cones warn of hazards but do not prevent people entering the area. Plan their use accordingly. Keep a retained sample and written acceptance criteria for opening, standing, folding and cleaning.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 600 folding plastic wet floor signs under 3926 90 97 90, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 6% is £384. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,784, so it is £1,356.80. Import taxes total £1,740.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £384 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Stability: open the sign fully and check that its feet sit evenly on the intended floor, without rocking or the legs spreading beyond the agreed stop.
Hinges and moulding: repeatedly fold and open samples; inspect hinge roots, handles and feet for cracks, sharp flash and distortion.
Artwork: compare every displayed face with the approved artwork; check spelling, contrast, missing print and resistance to the agreed cleaning trial.
Arrival: inspect cartons for crushing, check folded panels and cone bases for distortion, and match designs to the order. Plan dispatch and arrival checks with the quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
Weak hinge roots can crack during folding, opening stops can allow legs to spread, and warped feet can make signs rock. Poorly bonded print can rub off during cleaning. Check production samples through the same opening and cleaning trials used for approval.
Nested signs can scuff each other's artwork, while tight packing can distort panels and bases. Agree protection around printed surfaces and hinges. Separate cracked or unstable arrivals and record photographs against the retained sample before discussing replacements.
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 plastic wet floor signs from China?
For signs classified under 3926 90 97 90, the supplied tariff snapshot shows 6% duty from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the classification before ordering.
Can a wet floor sign stop people entering a wet area?
HSE guidance says signs and cones only warn of a hazard; they do not prevent people entering the area. Account for this when planning their use.
How do I check a folding wet floor sign?
Open it fully on the intended floor, check even foot contact and the opening stop, then repeatedly fold it. Look for rocking, spreading legs and cracks around hinges or handles.
What should I specify for custom warning print?
Approve the pictogram, wording, contrast and position on every displayed face. Agree a cleaning trial with your intended products and compare production print with the retained sample.