Sourcing pointed-back glass chatons from China
Pointed-back glass chatons from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 7018 lines, with no recorded trade remedy. Confirm with the relevant authority how UK REACH lead restrictions and any crystal-glass derogation apply to the jewellery parts. Match the stone profile to the setting and check its backing. Cambridge China Bridge sources pointed-back glass chatons.
UK duty on pointed-back glass chatons
Heading 7018 includes glass imitation precious or semi-precious stones and similar glass smallwares. For loose pointed-back chatons, distinguish cut and mechanically polished imitation stones from other imitation stones. The other-smallware rows are comparison lines, not automatic alternatives for chatons. Finished imitation jewellery has a different classification. For the wider product family, see flatback glass rhinestones.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all the listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. No controls were recorded on the table lines. Elsewhere in the heading, glass-smallware article lines carry cat and dog fur import and export controls. That fur and products made from it are banned from import and export; confirm any accessory declaration requirements with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the glass material, manufacturing process and whether the shipment contains loose stones or completed articles. Give the broker photographs and a description of cutting and polishing, rather than relying on the supplier's name for the stones.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass imitation stones, cut and mechanically polished | 7018 10 51 00 | 0% | None |
| Other glass imitation precious or semi-precious stones | 7018 10 59 00 | 0% | None |
| Other glass smallwares, not exceeding 2 mm in diameter | 7018 10 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other glass smallwares | 7018 10 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the pointed back and setting fit
Specify glass composition, shape, diameter, overall depth, girdle profile, pointed-back profile and facet arrangement. Agree dimensional tolerances against an approved sample and the actual setting. State whether the back is foiled, coated or uncoated, and define colour references, finish and pack counts. Require approval before changes to the glass, backing or cutting process.
Trial the chatons in your setting with the intended adhesive or retaining claws. Check seating depth, movement, visible gaps and retention after the agreed handling or washing checks. Do not assume a familiar size name guarantees fit, or that a pointed-back stone can replace a flatback.
Confirm with the relevant authority how UK REACH lead restrictions, any crystal-glass derogation and cadmium restrictions apply to the stones, coatings and any supplied metal jewellery settings. Ask for composition and relevant test evidence for the stones, coatings and any supplied settings. Consumer-use products supplied in Great Britain fall within general product safety rules. Discuss the intended use and evidence through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 100,000 cut and mechanically polished pointed-back glass chatons; FOB and freight values are illustrative, in whole pounds under 7018 10 51 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,900, so it is £580. 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
Profile and fit: measure diameter, depth and girdle dimensions from different packs; trial stones in the approved setting and check for rocking or exposed points.
Facets and colour: compare production stones with the approved sample under consistent lighting; check chipped edges, uneven facets, scratches, bubbles and mixed shades.
Backing and retention: inspect foil coverage and peeling; repeat the agreed adhesive, handling and washing checks on assembled samples.
Packs and arrival: check labelled size, colour, batch and count; open sampled packs for broken tips, glass fragments and stones rubbing together. Record findings using the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A stone can match the stated diameter yet sit too high because its depth or girdle differs. It may rock, leave a gap or prevent claws closing properly. Chipped points and girdles can hide in unopened packs. Approve an assembled sample and compare production stones with it before shipment.
Foil can peel or discolour after contact with adhesive or washing, changing the appearance through the glass. Mixed colour batches and uneven cutting can also make a finished design look inconsistent. Test the actual stone, backing and assembly together, and keep damaged or mismatched stock separate on arrival.
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 pointed-back glass chatons from China?
The relevant heading 7018 lines carried 0% duty on the read date, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension.
Which commodity code covers pointed-back glass chatons?
7018 10 51 00 describes cut and mechanically polished glass imitation stones; 7018 10 59 00 covers other imitation stones. Confirm the manufacturing process and supplied form with your broker.
Do glass chatons for jewellery need lead checks?
Confirm with the relevant authority how UK REACH lead restrictions and any crystal-glass derogation apply to the supplied jewellery parts. Ask for composition and relevant test evidence rather than assuming a supplier's crystal description establishes an exemption.
Why do pointed-back chatons not fit my settings?
Diameter alone does not establish fit. Differences in depth, girdle profile and the pointed back can cause rocking or gaps. Trial production stones in the intended setting before accepting the batch.