Sourcing slate blocks and slabs from China
Slate from China, roughly trimmed or merely cut into rectangular blocks or slabs, pays 0% UK duty under the single code 2514 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Worked slate, including roofing slates and slate paving, is a different heading. Buyers check stone quality, thickness, flatness, oxidising inclusions such as iron pyrites, and packing.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 2514 covers slate, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. New material clears the tariff's waste import control on a declaration that it is not waste.
Roofing slates and worked slate articles are heading 6803, and paving is covered in our stone paving and kerbs guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slate, roughly trimmed or merely cut into blocks or slabs | 2514 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying slate
Specify the quarry and stone name, colour range, thickness and tolerance, block or slab size, flatness, and limits on iron pyrites, calcite and other inclusions that can rust or weather. For outdoor use, ask for water absorption and freeze-thaw test results, and plan how the slate will be processed into finished products.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of sawn slate slabs under 2514 00 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,000, so it is £2,400. 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
Stone: inspect slabs wet for inclusions, cracks and colour variation.
Dimensions: check thickness and flatness.
Packing: check crates, strapping and separators. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Slate orders fail on inclusions, thickness and breakage. Pyrites rust after installation, thickness varies, and poorly crated slabs break.
Cambridge China Bridge sources stone for UK fabricators and landscapers by the container, with slabs inspected before loading. See container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on slate slabs from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, slate blocks and slabs under 2514 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Are roofing slates in heading 2514?
No. Roofing slates and worked slate are heading 6803.
Why does some slate rust?
Iron pyrites inclusions oxidise; inspect and set limits in the contract.
What tests matter for outdoor slate?
Water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance.