Sourcing precast concrete kerbs from China

Duty and classification for concrete kerbs

Heading 6810 covers articles of cement, concrete or artificial stone, whether reinforced or not. For ordinary precast kerbs, other concrete articles is a classification candidate. The table shows kerb shapes against that candidate code, rather than separate tariff lines for each shape. Give your broker the material, drawings and intended use to confirm the commodity code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, every supplied line under this heading carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Budget separately for import VAT at 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

This guide covers kerbs. For the wider paving product family, see concrete paving blocks.

Kerb profiles, joints and performance

Specify the cross-section, length, exposed face, chamfer, finish and colour against approved drawings and samples. List straight, radius, dropped and transition pieces separately. For curves, define the radius and orientation; for transitions, show which end meets each adjoining profile. Agree dimensional tolerances and dry-fit sample pieces before approving production.

Ask for performance declarations and supporting reports for the exact kerb range, covering the strength, abrasion and freeze-thaw performance required by the project designer. Legitimately CE-marked construction products can continue to be supplied in Great Britain without additional UK marking. Check that the documents describe the product and intended use you are buying.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 60 pallets of precast concrete kerbs under 6810 99 00 00, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,000, so it is £3,600. 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

Geometry: measure the cross-section and length against the approved drawing, check straightness and end squareness, and dry-fit adjoining profiles during inspection.

Faces and edges: compare colour and texture with the approved sample; check exposed faces for cracks, chipped arrises, cavities and repairs.

Range and records: check pallet labels against the packing list, separating radius, dropped and transition pieces; match product descriptions in performance documents to the supplied range.

Packing and arrival: check pallet condition, restraint and edge protection before loading. On arrival, photograph damaged packs before unpacking and record cracked pieces and shortages by pallet.

What goes wrong

A similar-looking profile can leave the wrong upstand or joint when installed. Reversed transitions and the wrong curve orientation interrupt a run, while mixed colours create visible patching. Agree a profile schedule and inspect production pieces against it rather than relying on catalogue photographs.

Kerbs can leave the factory intact and arrive with chipped arrises or cracks after packs move in transit. Specify separators, restraints and handling arrangements. Keep damaged packs identifiable so the supplier can trace the affected production and packing batch.

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.