Sourcing printed sheet music from China
Music printed in China, including sheet music, scores, tutor books and hymn books, bound or not, pays 0% UK duty under the single code 4904 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Printed music is also zero-rated for UK VAT. Buyers check paper opacity, binding that lies flat on a music stand, notation reproduction and the rights to print.
Buying from China for a business? How our UK China sourcing agent service works · China sourcing agent for small orders and first imports
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, heading 4904 covers music, printed or in manuscript, whether or not bound or illustrated. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Printed music is zero-rated under item 4 of Group 3 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994. Music books sold with a recording on disc or an instrument may classify differently; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music, printed or in manuscript | 4904 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying printed music
Specify trim size, page count, paper weight and opacity so notation does not show through, binding that opens flat (wire-o, lay-flat or sewn), cover finish, and packing. Approve a proof of the engraved pages, because small notation errors are costly to fix after printing.
The publisher, not the printer, must hold the right to print the music. Printers may ask for confirmation of rights before starting, so have it ready.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 piano tutor books under 4904 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,900. Duty at 0% is £0. These goods are zero-rated for VAT under Group 3 of Schedule 8 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994, so import VAT is normally nil as well, and the landed cost is the goods, freight and any broker fees. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Print: check notation sharpness and page order against the proof.
Binding: check the book lies flat and pages do not detach.
Packing: check cartons and moisture protection. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Sheet music orders fail on binding and proofs. Perfect-bound books close on the music stand, paper is too thin so notes show through, and proof corrections are missed.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on sheet music printed in China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, printed music under 4904 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Is there import VAT on printed music?
Printed music is zero-rated for UK VAT, so import VAT is normally nil.
What binding is best for music books?
Wire-o, lay-flat or sewn binding that stays open on a music stand.
Who needs the rights to print the music?
The publisher; the printer may ask for confirmation before printing.