Sourcing tablet cases from China

Tablet-case duty depends on construction and outer surface

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 October 2026, heading 4202 covers bags, cases and similar containers. The table gives candidate lines for tablet sleeves and carrying cases, subject to confirmation from the finished product. These Chinese-origin lines carry 2% for leather, composition leather or textile outer surfaces and 8% for plastic sheeting. They show no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. Import VAT is 20%.

The leather and textile lines attach CITES import and export controls; listed skins need valid permits. Leather lines also attach cat and dog fur controls and seal-product controls. Cat and dog fur products are banned from import. Seal products face a ban with limited exceptions. For cases from China containing animal materials, identify the species and ask your customs broker to confirm the permits, declarations and any seal-product exception before ordering.

Send your customs broker the finished sample, material layers, outer-surface specification and photographs to confirm the commodity code. Ask separately about a clip-on shell or a case containing a keyboard, battery or other electronics rather than applying these candidate lines automatically. For the wider case family, see laptop sleeves.

Specify the tablet model, retention and folding stand

Name the exact tablet model and generation rather than relying on screen size. Provide a device or an agreed dimensional sample. Specify internal clearance, corner retention, camera opening, charging access, button operation and stylus storage. State whether the tablet must fit with a screen protector or another shell already fitted.

Describe the outer surface, backing, lining, padding, adhesive and edge finish separately. For folding covers, agree stand positions, hinge construction, closure strength and whether magnetic sleep and wake operation is expected. Approve a finished sample in the intended materials and keep it for comparison with production.

Consumer tablet cases sold in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Include checks for sharp edges, loose magnets and detached small fittings in the inspection brief. Agree material-specific chemical testing with testing and certification, especially for coatings, prints and leather.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 300 textile tablet cases; FOB value and freight are hypothetical under 4202 92 98 90, invoiced at £3,450 free on board, with £420 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,870. Duty at 2% is £77.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,947.40, so it is £789.48. Import taxes total £866.88; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £77.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: insert the intended tablet and check retention, camera clearance, charging access, buttons and stylus removal. Confirm that the closed cover does not press unwanted controls.

Stand and closure: test each agreed stand position on a desk, operate the hinge and closure repeatedly, and check magnetic sleep and wake behaviour where specified.

Materials and finish: compare the outer surface and lining with the approved sample. Flex folded edges, rub printed areas and inspect stitching, adhesive bleed, coating lift and exposed hard parts.

Arrival and packing: check model labels against the contents, then inspect for warped covers, compressed corners, damp cartons, mould and colour transfer. Record defects with photographs and the batch reference; see quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A case can match the advertised screen size but obstruct the camera or place the charging opening incorrectly. Loose corners can release the tablet, while tight corners can make removal difficult. Approve fit on the intended device and keep a separate approved sample for each model.

Folding stands can collapse when the hinge softens, edge coatings can split, and rough lining or exposed zip parts can mark the device. Test the assembled case through normal handling and storage. Agree a repeatable inspection method before production instead of accepting an unsupported protective or drop-resistant claim.

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.