Sourcing solid wood architraves from China
Solid wood architraves from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant softwood, tropical wood and other hardwood lines. Timber due diligence is required before placing them on the Great Britain market. Check species-specific CITES requirements as well as moisture and profile accuracy. Cambridge China Bridge sources solid wood architraves.
Zero duty on shaped solid wood architraves
Heading 4409 covers wood continuously shaped along its edges, ends or faces. For solid wood architraves, the relevant categories are other coniferous shaped wood, tropical wood and other non-coniferous shaped wood. Picture-frame mouldings and unassembled parquet strips have separate lines within this heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, the relevant lines carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions recorded. The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls. Check whether the exact species and product need a permit; confirm the applicable documentation with your customs broker before shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the species, construction and profile drawing. The solid wood skirting-board guide covers a related product family within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine solid wood architraves | 4409 10 18 00 | 0% | None |
| Tropical solid wood architraves | 4409 22 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other non-coniferous solid wood architraves | 4409 29 99 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the architrave profile and timber
Specify the timber species, whether lengths are single-piece or finger-jointed, finished width and thickness, supplied lengths, profile drawing and tolerances. Agree limits for knots, splits, sapwood and colour variation. Identify the visible face and edges, and approve a sample showing the intended primer, paint or clear finish.
Confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker how the UK Timber Regulations apply to your shipment, including timber legality and any importer due-diligence requirements. Gather species and harvest-origin information, assess risk and consider mitigation as part of your sourcing checks. Obtain supporting harvest and supply-chain documents before ordering. Ask your broker to check plant-health status for the exact timber; regulated material must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 lengths of hardwood architrave under 4409 29 99 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £21,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,500, so it is £4,300. 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
Profile and fit: compare samples with the drawing and approved sample, measure width and thickness, and trial-fit mitred corners around a door-opening template at inspection.
Moisture and straightness: measure moisture across bundles against the agreed specification and drying records; check bow, twist and cupping before cutting.
Grade and finish: check knots, splits, finger joints and colour variation; inspect primer coverage, sanding marks and damaged moulded edges.
Documents and packing: match species and batch identification to the timber file. Check bundle protection and pallet condition. Confirm applicable ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements for solid wood packaging with the relevant authority or your customs broker.
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What goes wrong
Wet or unevenly dried architraves shrink, twist and open at mitres after installation. Profile drift leaves adjoining lengths with mismatched moulded faces. Loose knots, visible finger joints and sanding marks can remain apparent after painting.
A sample may look acceptable while production bundles contain mixed profiles or grades. Compare production pieces from different bundles with the approved sample, photograph defects before installation, and keep batch identification with the arrival inspection record.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on solid wood architraves from China?
The relevant heading 4409 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff snapshot, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded.
Do solid wood architraves need timber due diligence?
Confirm applicable timber due-diligence requirements with the relevant authority or your customs broker before placing timber on the Great Britain market. Gather legality information, assess risk and consider mitigation as part of your sourcing checks. Obtain the species, harvest origin and supporting documents before ordering.
Do architraves from China need CITES documents?
The tariff attaches CITES controls. Requirements depend on the species and product. Check the listing and confirm applicable permits or other documentation with your customs broker before shipment.
What should I check when architraves arrive?
Check moisture, straightness, profile dimensions, knots, finish and transit damage. Trial-fit mitred corners and compare pieces from different bundles with the approved sample.