Sourcing printed pocket calendars from China

UK duty on printed pocket calendars

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 4910 covers calendars of any kind, printed, including calendar blocks. Printed pocket calendars fall within commodity code 4910 00 00 00. Goods from China carry 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension recorded. The table shows pocket-calendar formats sharing the same commodity line.

The tariff snapshot attaches a DCMS Export Licence control. Government guidance states that importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain has no licensing requirements. Ask your customs broker to confirm the attached control's relevance and any document waiver for newly printed calendars before shipment.

Printed calendars are standard-rated for VAT, with 20% import VAT. Confirm the commodity code, especially if the product includes diary pages or other components. See the wider printed calendars guide and the UK import duty and VAT guide.

Specify a readable pocket calendar

Specify the finished and folded dimensions, card stock, thickness, surface finish, corner shape and packing. For folded calendars, agree the panel order, crease positions and grain direction. For laminated cards, agree the film finish and edge treatment. Approve a physical sample that fits the intended wallet or pocket.

Supply a checked date file and specify the intended UK holiday region and week layout. Approve the date grid, logo and contact details at actual print size. Retain a signed paper proof on the agreed stock. Secure artwork permissions covering printing and sale.

Businesses importing or selling consumer products in the UK are responsible for their safety. Include checks for sharp corners, exposed staples where used and peeling film in your sample review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20,000 printed pocket calendars，illustrative order under 4910 00 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,800, so it is £1,360. 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

Dates and text: compare the year, weekdays, month headings, holidays and contact details with the approved file. Check readability on the finished calendar.

Stock and finish: compare card thickness, stiffness, colour and surface with the signed sample. Look for ink rubbing, film bubbles and peeling edges.

Cutting and folding: check finished dimensions, corner shape, print alignment and crease positions. Open folded samples and inspect for cracking or text hidden in a fold.

Packing and arrival: check quantities and artwork variants against carton labels. On arrival, inspect for damp, curl, crushed corners and surfaces sticking together.

What goes wrong

A reused date grid can put weekdays under the wrong dates. Small text that looks clear on a screen may become unreadable after printing. Trimming can cut into month headings, while a misplaced crease can hide dates or split a logo.

Lighter card bends in a wallet, poorly bonded film lifts at the corners, and folding against the grain can crack the printed surface. Agree the physical sample and proof before printing, then compare shipment samples with both. Use the inspection guide to brief the checks.

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.