Sourcing uninked rubber stamp pads from China

Duty on uninked rubber stamp pads

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 9612 covers typewriter or similar ribbons and ink pads, whether or not inked, with or without boxes. Uninked pads for rubber stamps fall within the ink-pad line, 9612 20 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing that tariff line.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the product description, photographs and whether the shipment includes separate ink. For other products in this heading, see the ribbons and ink pads guide.

Specify the pad and the intended ink

Describe the product as an uninked pad for rubber stamps, with no ink supplied. Specify usable stamping area, pad thickness, absorbent material, surface covering, firmness, backing and attachment method. Agree case material, lid closure, hinge construction and whether replacement pads must fit an existing case.

Give the factory the intended stamp ink and an approved sample. Test ink uptake, even distribution and repeated impressions on your intended paper. Check that the ink does not soften the pad, loosen its adhesive or distort the case. Agree packing that keeps the pad clean and prevents compression.

For pads intended for or likely to be used by consumers in Great Britain, general product safety requirements apply and the product must be safe. Include sharp case edges, loose components and foreseeable handling in your safety review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed batch of boxed uninked rubber stamp pads; values are illustrative under 9612 20 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,090. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,090, so it is £618. 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

Pad condition: on arrival, check that pads are uninked, clean, level and free from loose fibres, damaged corners and permanent compression.

Dimensions and fit: measure the usable area and thickness against the approved specification; check that the pad sits securely and the lid closes without crushing it.

Ink trial: ink sampled pads with the agreed ink and stamp your intended paper; check coverage, fine detail, shedding and changes to the pad or adhesive.

Case and packing: check hinges, closures and edges, then compare packaging descriptions and batch identification with the order. Use the inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

An uninked pad can look acceptable but give patchy impressions after filling. Material substitutions change ink uptake; loose surface fibres spoil fine lettering; weak adhesive lets the pad lift. A lid pressing on the surface can leave a permanent hollow during shipment.

Approve the pad after an ink trial, rather than by appearance alone. Keep the approved sample and record the agreed material and case construction. Clearly distinguish uninked stock from pre-inked stock in the order and packaging artwork.

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.