Sourcing slate garden stepping stones from China

Zero duty on worked slate stepping stones

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 6803 covers worked slate and articles of slate or agglomerated slate. Worked garden stepping stones fall within the scope of the other slate articles line, 6803 00 90 00. The table shows product variants sharing that line.

The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or import controls. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the material, processing and intended use through finding your commodity code. For wider slate flooring coverage, see slate floor tiles.

Specify the walking surface and bedding face

Specify natural or agglomerated slate, quarry or material source, shape, dimensions, thickness tolerance, edge treatment and surface finish. Approve a colour range and a sample showing both faces. Agree how the underside will be supported when installed, and request evidence of wet slip resistance, frost resistance, water absorption and flexural strength for the supplied stone and finish.

Confirm with the relevant authority whether a designated paving standard applies and whether construction-product rules require a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. Ask for installation and maintenance instructions suited to garden paths, including any coating or sealant.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 crates of slate garden stepping stones under 6803 00 90 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £2,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,600, so it is £3,720. 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

Dimensions: measure sampled stones from different crates against the agreed outline and thickness tolerance; check the bedding face for rocking.

Faces and edges: inspect for hairline cracks, loose layers, chips and sharp projections; compare colour and texture with the approved range.

Performance documents: match reports to the stone source, finish and coating; where applicable, check the declaration of performance and conformity marking.

Packing and arrival: check separation, edge protection and crate bracing; check solid wood packaging for ISPM 15 compliance. Photograph damage before unpacking and record affected crates through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

Thin stones and uneven undersides can leave unsupported areas that crack under foot traffic. Loose layers may split after outdoor exposure, while smooth finishes or coatings can change wet grip. Check the supplied finish and outdoor performance evidence before accepting a substitute stone or sealant.

Loose packing causes chipped edges and broken pieces. Colour variation can also make a path look different from the approved sample. Agree the acceptable colour range, packing method and how damaged or out-of-specification stones will be recorded before shipment.

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.