Sourcing window squeegees from China
Professional window cleaning squeegees from China carry 2% UK duty across the variants covered here, with no recorded trade remedy. Squeegees intended for or foreseeably used by consumers must meet Great Britain's general product safety requirements. Specify blade profile, channel straightness and handle fit. Cambridge China Bridge sources professional window cleaning squeegees.
UK duty on complete window squeegees
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 9603 covers squeegees other than roller squeegees, alongside brushes, brooms and other cleaning tools. The table shows complete window squeegee variants using the same candidate commodity code, 9603 90 99 00. It does not classify loose replacement blades, separate handles or extension poles.
The supplied tariff record shows 2% duty for goods from China on this line, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. It attaches import and export controls on cat and dog fur. Imports and exports of that fur and products made from it are banned. Specify rubber or synthetic blades and confirm the material composition with the supplier.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete product's construction and function before ordering. For other goods within this heading, see brushes, brooms and paint rollers.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete window cleaning squeegees with fixed handles | 9603 90 99 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the blade, channel and handle
Specify the blade material, hardness, cross-section, working edge and usable width. Fix the channel material, straightness, end shape and blade-retaining method. State whether the handle is fixed or swivelling, how it locks, and the exact connection to the buyer's extension pole. Approve a sample with the intended replacement blade fitted.
For squeegees intended for or likely to be used by consumers, Great Britain's general product safety rules apply. The importer must ensure the product is safe before placing it on that market. Where reasonable, traceability information on the product or packaging must include the producer's name and address and the product reference or batch. Agree the artwork and safe-use information before production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small trade-stock order of complete window cleaning squeegees under 9603 90 99 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 2% is £61.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,151.80, so it is £630.36. Import taxes total £692.16; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £61.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Blade edge: inspect for nicks, uneven cutting and distortion; draw the wetted blade across clean glass to check streaks and water left behind.
Channel and retention: check straightness, smooth ends and secure blade retention; compare the fitted blade and channel with the approved sample.
Handle and pole fit: check grip when wet, swivel locking and channel attachment; fit the handle to the buyer's actual pole and check for looseness.
Packing and identification: check that cartons protect blade edges and channels from deformation, and that product references, agreed labels and replacement-blade identification match the order.
What goes wrong
A nicked edge leaves repeated streaks; a bent channel creates uneven contact; a substituted blade profile slips or will not fit replacement stock. Loose swivels and mismatched pole sockets make the tool difficult to control. Carton pressure can deform blades that passed the factory's initial check.
Test samples with the intended glass, cleaning solution, pole and replacement blades. Repeat the wiping and fit checks on arrival, comparing stock with the retained approved sample. Use the inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on professional window squeegees from China?
The supplied tariff record, read on 4 October 2026, shows 2% duty under 9603 90 99 00, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Does a professional squeegee need consumer product safety checks?
Great Britain's general product safety rules apply if it is intended for or likely, under reasonably foreseeable conditions, to be used by consumers. Assess the actual sales channel and use.
How do I check that replacement blades will fit?
Agree the blade cross-section and retaining method, then fit the intended replacement stock to the approved channel. Check retention and wiping performance before accepting production.
What should I check when the shipment arrives?
Check blade edges, channel straightness, handle locking and fit to your actual pole. Wipe clean wetted glass and inspect for streaks. Compare delivered stock with the retained sample.