Sourcing wedge pillows from China
Wedge pillows from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant pillow lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Confirm with the relevant authority whether domestic-use pillows fall within furniture fire-safety rules and which requirements apply, particularly for fillings. Cambridge China Bridge sources wedge pillows.
2% duty on wedge pillows
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9404 covers stuffed bedding and similar furnishing articles, including pillows. Foam, latex and fibre-filled wedge pillows are candidates for 9404 90 90 00; feather or down-filled versions are candidates for 9404 90 10 00. Both carry 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension listed. The table separates material variants sharing a code.
The tariff attaches an import control on cat and dog fur: imports of that fur and products made from it are banned. Specify the cover and filling materials and exclude such fur. The file also lists cat and dog fur export controls and a cultural-goods export licence measure; ask your customs broker to confirm any relevant export requirements.
Confirm the commodity code against the finished construction and intended use before ordering. A wedge pillow should not be described as a mattress merely because it contains mattress foam. See the bolster-pillow guide for wider pillow coverage. For mattresses rather than pillows, see exporting mattresses to China from the UK.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foam wedge pillows | 9404 90 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Feather or down-filled wedge pillows | 9404 90 10 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the slope, support and cover
Define whether the wedge supports the upper body, legs or seated back. Agree length, width, raised-end height, slope profile, edge shape and dimensional tolerances. Specify the core material, foam density, firmness, layer bonding and recovery after compression. Approve the assembled pillow rather than a loose foam sample.
Specify cover fibre composition, stretch, zip position, seam construction and washing instructions. Confirm with the relevant authority whether the domestic-use pillows fall within the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and which filling ignitability requirements apply. Tie test evidence to the actual filling and construction. Agree the testing scope through testing and certification.
This guide concerns adult comfort pillows. Settle the intended purpose and proposed advertising before approving packaging. Medical-device guidance includes marketing claims within intended purpose; seek a classification review before making claims about treating reflux or other conditions.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 600 foam wedge pillows, illustrative only under 9404 90 90 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,500. Duty at 2% is £190. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,690, so it is £1,938. Import taxes total £2,128; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £190 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Shape: unpack compressed samples, allow recovery under agreed conditions, then measure the slope and raised-end height against the approved drawing.
Support: compare firmness with the approved sample, apply a representative load and check for bottoming out, uneven support and separating layers.
Cover: remove and refit it, operate the zip and inspect seams; wash a sample as instructed and check shrinkage, colour transfer and fit.
Materials: compare the core and cover with the approved specification and test evidence; inspect for odour, dampness, contamination and damaged packaging.
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What goes wrong
A wedge can look correct while providing the wrong support. Softer replacement foam collapses under load, compression leaves the raised end flattened, and bonded layers peel apart. A tight cover can distort the slope; a loose cover wrinkles beneath the user. Retain an assembled approval sample and compare bulk production after unpacking.
A fire report for another filling does not establish the performance of the supplied core. Record material changes and review testing before accepting substitutions. Treat recovery, cover fit and washing performance as acceptance checks, with findings recorded before shipment and repeated on arrival.
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 wedge pillows from China?
The relevant pillow lines carry 2% duty. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Which commodity code covers a memory-foam wedge pillow?
9404 90 90 00 is a candidate for a finished foam pillow. Confirm the actual construction and intended use with your customs broker.
Do wedge pillows need fire testing?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether domestic-use pillows fall within furniture fire-safety rules and which requirements apply, including any filling ignitability requirements. Match the evidence to the supplied construction.
What should I check after unpacking a wedge pillow?
Check recovery, slope, raised-end height and firmness against the approved sample. Inspect bonded layers, cover fit, seams, zip operation, odour and dampness.