Sourcing stainless grapefruit spoons from China
UK duty ranges from 4% for precious-metal-plated grapefruit spoons to 8% for ordinary stainless steel versions from China. Food contact materials must comply with the applicable framework, and serrated bowls need careful checks for burrs and safe use. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless steel grapefruit spoons.
Duty on grapefruit spoons
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8215 covers spoons and similar kitchen or tableware. Ordinary stainless steel grapefruit spoons under 8215 99 10 00 carry 8% duty from China; precious-metal-plated spoons under 8215 91 00 00 carry 4%. The stainless steel assorted-set lines shown also carry 8%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure or suspension.
The tariff attaches an ivory import control and CITES import-control entries to the assorted-set lines shown. Confirm the applicable requirement and declaration with your customs broker, including for goods from China made entirely of steel. The supplied single-spoon lines show CITES export-control entries rather than import controls.
Describe the spoon material, plating and every article supplied together when confirming the commodity code. Do not assume a pack of identical spoons is an assorted cutlery set. For other utensils and mixed ranges, see the cutlery, spoons and forks guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel grapefruit spoons, without precious-metal plating | 8215 99 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Assorted stainless steel cutlery sets including grapefruit spoons | 8215 20 10 00 | 8% | None |
| Assorted stainless steel sets containing a precious-metal-plated article | 8215 10 30 00 | 8% | None |
| Precious-metal-plated grapefruit spoons | 8215 91 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the serrated bowl and steel
Specify stainless steel grade, thickness, weight, handle shape, bowl depth and finish. Mark exactly where the serrations begin and end, their shape and the smooth areas intended to touch the mouth. Approve a sample using actual grapefruit: it should separate flesh from the membrane without excessive pressure or bending at the neck.
Food contact materials must comply with the applicable food contact framework. Confirm with the relevant food safety authority the requirements for preventing constituents from transferring to food in quantities that could endanger health. Ask for metal migration evidence covering the finished spoon and its intended use with acidic fruit, plus separate checks for coatings or plastic handles. Agree washing instructions and test any dishwasher claim on samples from bulk.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 10,000 stainless steel grapefruit spoons, illustrative only under 8215 99 10 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,400. Duty at 8% is £272. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,672, so it is £734.40. Import taxes total £1,006.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £272 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material: compare the material certificate with the order and analyse a bulk sample where needed. Match thickness and weight to the approved specification; a magnet alone does not establish the steel grade.
Serrations: inspect tooth shape, spacing and polishing against the approved sample. Check for burrs, loose metal and unintended sharp points, including where the toothed section meets the smooth rim.
Performance: try bulk samples on grapefruit, check neck bending and compare bowl shape. Check corrosion and washing performance against the agreed test conditions.
Packing and records: check scratches from spoons rubbing together, protective packing and carton contents. Keep records identifying your suppliers so the products' origins can be traced. Use the inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Polishing can leave burrs between serrations or round the teeth until they no longer separate fruit effectively. A sample may work while bulk spoons have shallower bowls, thinner necks or inconsistent tooth profiles. Compare production samples with the approved spoon before accepting the shipment.
Grade substitution can lead to spotting and pitting after washing, while polishing residue can remain around the teeth. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check both the cutting function and the surfaces that contact the user's mouth.
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 stainless steel grapefruit spoons from China?
Ordinary stainless steel spoons carry 8% duty under 8215 99 10 00. Precious-metal-plated spoons carry 4% under 8215 91 00 00. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
What food contact evidence should I request?
Ask for migration testing covering the finished spoon, including metals such as nickel and chromium. Specify intended contact with acidic fruit, and check coatings or plastic handles separately.
How do I check a grapefruit spoon's serrated edge?
Compare the teeth and smooth rim with the approved sample. Inspect for burrs and loose metal, then try the spoon on grapefruit to check separation of the flesh and resistance to bending.
Are packs of grapefruit spoons classified as cutlery sets?
Do not assume identical spoons use an assorted-set code. Give your customs broker the material, plating and complete pack contents before confirming the commodity code.