Sourcing pyrotechnic confetti cannons from China

UK duty on pyrotechnic confetti cannons

Heading 3604 covers fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles. This guide concerns confetti cannons using a pyrotechnic charge; specify the propulsion mechanism before choosing a code. The supplied tariff contains only the goods lines shown here. For the wider heading, see fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, both supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions listed. Import VAT is normally 20%. The tariff also attaches import and export waste controls. For a consignment from China that is waste, notification procedures start in the dispatch country; the exporter applies there for consent. Confirm the applicable waste controls with your customs broker.

Ask your broker to confirm the code against the cannon's construction, composition and intended use using finding your commodity code. The illustrative order assumes classification as other pyrotechnic articles; it is not a classification ruling. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.

Specify the charge, launcher and confetti

Specify the initiation method, tube dimensions, mounting arrangement, compatible launcher, confetti material, colours and shapes, and the expected spread. Request the manufacturer's operating conditions and safety distances. Keep the approved model, construction drawings and packing specification together so a change of charge, tube or confetti load is visible.

The manufacturer must categorise the article and have that category confirmed through conformity assessment. For Great Britain, check the assessment documents and CE or UKCA marking. Importers must check conformity and accompanying documents before placing the article on the market. Articles categorised as theatrical T2 or other P2 may only be supplied to persons with specialist knowledge.

Explosives need classification by an ADR contracting party's competent authority before consignment for road carriage in Great Britain. Match the transport classification to the actual model and packaging. HSE's civil-explosives transfer guidance excludes pyrotechnic articles from those transfer controls. Confirm storage arrangements before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2,000 pyrotechnic confetti cannons under 3604 90 00 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,000, so it is £4,800. 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

Model and packing: match model identifiers, tube construction, initiation connections and outer packing to the approved sample and transport documents. Flag crushed tubes, loose closures and moisture damage.

Confetti: check material, colour, shape and fill against the specification. Look for clumping, mixed colours and unwanted hard fragments.

Labels and documents: check the conformity marking, manufacturer and importer identification, category and product identifiers. Instructions and safety information must be in English. Match the declaration and assessment documents to the goods.

Performance: arrange sample firing with a competent operator under the manufacturer's conditions. Record misfires, incomplete discharge, spread and unexpected debris. Agree the checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

Buying against the name 'confetti cannon' alone can conceal a different propulsion mechanism, initiation connection or intended user. A launcher mismatch, damp confetti or damaged closure can leave an event buyer with unusable stock. Compare the shipment with the approved specification before accepting it.

A certificate for a similar-looking model leaves the buyer without a clear match between goods and paperwork. Resolve model differences before dispatch, and agree carrier acceptance and storage arrangements before production. Use testing and certification to organise the document 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.