Sector guides

Sourcing precast concrete fence posts from China

Precast concrete fence posts from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 6810 lines. Confirm classification and applicable construction-product requirements before sale, rather than relying on a generic factory certificate. Cambridge China Bridge sources precast concrete fence posts.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-17

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Zero duty on the relevant concrete articles

Heading 6810 covers articles of cement, concrete or artificial stone, whether reinforced or not. For fence posts, ask the customs broker to distinguish other concrete articles from prefabricated structural components using the drawings and intended use. The table lists post variants under candidate codes, rather than separate tariff lines for each shape.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, all lines in this heading carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code before ordering, using the material, reinforcement details and intended installation. For the wider product family, see precast concrete wall panels.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Slotted concrete fence posts, subject to classification confirmation6810 99 00 000%None
Fence posts qualifying as prefabricated structural components6810 91 00 000%None

Specify the post and panel connection

Approve drawings for intermediate, end and corner posts separately. State overall length, section, straightness tolerance, slot width and depth, hole positions, top profile and embedment arrangement. Trial the posts with the actual fence panels and gravel boards, including their manufacturing tolerances.

Agree reinforcement layout, concrete cover, curing records and bending-performance evidence for the intended fence. Ask for evidence supporting outdoor durability claims. Before sale, have the applicable construction-product standard and documentation route checked for the exact post and use. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market.

HSE warns that cutting or breaking concrete can release airborne respirable crystalline silica. Prefer factory-made slots and holes, and request handling and installation instructions so site work can be planned.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of 60 precast concrete fence posts under 6810 99 00 00, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,800, so it is £960. 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

Dimensions and fit: measure production posts against the approved drawing and assemble panels and gravel boards in sampled slots; check end and corner orientations.

Concrete and reinforcement: inspect for cracks, honeycombing, exposed steel and damaged slot lips; compare reinforcement and cover inspection records with the agreed specification.

Performance and identity: match test reports to the supplied post design, reinforcement and production batch; check that outdoor-performance claims have supporting evidence.

Packing and arrival: check aligned supports, separators, restraint and unloading access; photograph bundles before unpacking and inspect concealed faces during quality inspection.

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What goes wrong

Posts can arrive intact but fail to fit local panels because slots taper, moulds wear or corner orientations are wrong. A catalogue photograph does not settle these details. Approve a physical assembly and record the dimensions that control fit before production.

Cracked slot lips, bowed posts and exposed reinforcement create rejection disputes. Uneven bundle supports and straps bearing directly on edges can damage otherwise acceptable posts. Agree acceptance criteria, support positions and arrival photographs before shipment, and separate packing damage from manufacturing defects.

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 concrete fence posts from China?

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty across heading 6810, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Confirm the exact post code; import VAT is separate.

Which commodity code covers precast concrete fence posts?

Ask your broker to assess 6810 99 00 00 against 6810 91 00 00 using the drawings and intended use. The structural-components description should not be assumed to cover every fence post.

Do concrete fence posts need CE or UKCA marking?

Check the applicable standard and assessment route for the exact product and use. CE marking remains available for construction products on the Great Britain market; a generic factory certificate does not establish applicability.

How do I check that imported posts fit UK fence panels?

Send the actual panel and gravel-board dimensions, approve slot tolerances and trial a physical assembly. Check production posts for slot taper, straightness and the correct end or corner orientation.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain
  3. HSE concrete guidance

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