Sourcing Quarry Tiles from China

4% duty plus anti-dumping duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6907 covers ceramic paving, hearth and wall tiles, mosaics and finishing ceramics. Quarry floor tiles sit within this wider heading. The floor tile lines distinguish water absorption; matching finishing pieces have a separate line. Use tested absorption rather than the supplier's product name. See the wider ceramic tile guide.

The relevant lines carry 4% duty for goods from China and residual anti-dumping duty of 69.70%, with no tariff suspensions listed. Named exporters can have anti-dumping rates from 13.90% to 36.50%, subject to the required invoice. Confirm the exporter’s additional code and invoice before accepting a landed quotation. The illustrative order values do not imply exemption from anti-dumping duty.

The tariff attaches an import waste control and also lists export waste control and a cultural-object export licence. Ask your customs broker to confirm applicability, particularly for reclaimed or waste consignments from China. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. The China-specific position for quarry tile waste remains to be confirmed. Confirm the commodity code before ordering.

Specify the quarry tile body and floor finish

Specify an unglazed tile body, forming method, dimensions, thickness, edge profile, permitted shade variation and the actual surface texture. State whether the floor will be indoors, outdoors or exposed to water, grease or frequent cleaning. Ask for absorption, breaking strength and slip test results matching the offered product; request frost resistance evidence for outdoor use.

Approve a sample layout with the proposed joints and matching skirtings, coves and step edges. Check that finishing pieces match the tile thickness and shade. Confirm applicable declaration of performance and conformity marking requirements for the ceramic tiles with the relevant authority. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Match any declaration and test reports to the supplied tile.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative container order of unglazed quarry floor tiles under 6907 22 00 00, invoiced at £20,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,000. Duty at 4% is £920. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,920, so it is £4,784. Import taxes total £5,704; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £920 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Dimensions: measure sampled tiles against the agreed size and thickness tolerances; check squareness, bowing and edge straightness, then dry-lay them to inspect joints and lippage.

Surface: compare the delivered texture with the approved sample and match slip test evidence to that finish. Check for cracks, chipped corners and damaged grooves.

Shade and trims: compare tiles across cartons and pallets in daylight, check batch and shade identifiers, and trial-fit coves, skirtings and step edges.

Arrival condition: photograph pallet damage before unpacking, inspect cartons for broken tiles, and reconcile the delivered tile and trim types with the packing list. Use the inspection guide to agree checks before dispatch.

What goes wrong

A red tile sample does not establish absorption, strength or wet slip performance. A replacement finish can invalidate the buyer's comparison with the original test report. Mixed firing batches produce visible shade changes, while bowed tiles and mismatched coves leave uneven joints or awkward floor edges.

Buyers also omit anti-dumping duty or assume the factory qualifies for a named exporter rate without checking the invoice. Agree the exporter identity, performance documents, shade range and packing method before payment. Keep arrival photographs and batch labels so defects can be traced to the delivered stock.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.