Sourcing travel shaving kits from China
Travel shaving kits from China classified under 9605 carry 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Any included cosmetic cream needs its own compliance checks, and animal-derived materials need scrutiny. Cambridge China Bridge sources travel shaving kits.
UK duty on travel shaving kits
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 9605 covers travel sets for personal toilet, sewing or shoe or clothes cleaning. Travel shaving kits belong within the personal toilet family when their classification fits. The table shows kit variants sharing the supplied commodity line, rather than separate tariff lines. See the wider travel kit guide.
The supplied line carries 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension shown. The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls and cat and dog fur import and export controls. Imports and exports of cat or dog fur, including products made from it, are banned. CITES specimens need import permits; confirm the requirements for any listed material in the proposed kit with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete contents list, photographs and packaging. Sets whose essential character comes from cosmetics are classified with the cosmetics rather than automatically under this heading. Ask your broker to assess the actual set before ordering.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel shaving sets with a manual razor and synthetic brush | 9605 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the razor, brush and travel case
Define the manual razor type, cartridge connection, replacement blade compatibility and protective cap. Specify handle material, grip, corrosion resistance and how the razor is secured inside the case. For brushes, agree synthetic or identified animal-derived fill, tuft retention, handle finish and a way to dry the brush after use.
Agree the case dimensions, closures, internal holders, mirror fixing and whether the packed kit accommodates a damp brush. Approve the assembled kit rather than separate component samples. UK businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety.
If the kit contains cosmetic cream or lotion, arrange a UK responsible person and confirm the safety report, notification and ingredient labelling requirements with the relevant authority before sale in Great Britain. Obtain the formula and packaging details before approving artwork. Keep tools and cosmetic documents matched to the agreed contents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 1,200 travel shaving kits with manual razors and synthetic brushes under 9605 00 00 00, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,200, so it is £3,240. 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
Razor and cap: check blade alignment, head attachment, cartridge fit and cap retention against the approved sample. Look for corrosion, burrs and exposed edges when packed.
Brush and materials: check fill identity, tuft retention, handle bonding and shedding after wetting. Compare material declarations with the purchase specification.
Cream and containers: check seals, leakage, batch identification and artwork against the approved cosmetic documentation. Look for contamination or damage around closures.
Case and contents: count every component, check holders and closures, and confirm the mirror stays fixed. Repeat the agreed checks on arrival using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A replacement cartridge can look compatible yet fail to lock onto the handle. Loose caps expose blades inside the pouch; damp brushes shed or develop odours; tubes leak onto the razor and printed insert. A factory may also substitute brush fill or omit a component.
Freeze the assembled sample and contents list before production. Require approval for substitutions, inspect the packed kit and check cosmetic paperwork before shipment. A supplier's existing cream label is not enough to establish compliance for your version.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on travel shaving kits from China?
The supplied line, 9605 00 00 00, carries 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is shown. Confirm that the complete kit fits this classification.
Does shaving cream inside a travel kit need cosmetic compliance?
Yes. Cosmetic cream needs a UK responsible person before sale in Great Britain. Confirm the safety report, notification and ingredient labelling requirements with the relevant authority. Packing it with a razor does not remove the need for a UK responsible person.
Can I include an animal-hair shaving brush?
Identify the material and species before ordering. Cat and dog fur products cannot be imported. Check CITES permit requirements for listed materials with your customs broker.
What should I check on a travel shaving kit sample?
Check cartridge compatibility, blade protection, wet grip, brush shedding, container seals and case closures. Approve the complete packed kit and record every component so substitutions are visible.