Sourcing wicker bicycle baskets from China

UK duty on wicker bicycle baskets

Heading 4602 covers basketwork and wickerwork made directly to shape from plaiting materials or assembled from products of heading 4601. For bicycle baskets, identify whether the weave is willow, rattan or bamboo and whether manufacture is hand-made. Wicker describes the construction rather than a single material.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the willow and rattan lines shown here carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff records list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code using the material, manufacturing method and photographs of the complete basket and supplied fittings. For the wider basket family, see wicker shopping baskets.

Specify the basket and mounting kit together

Specify the plant material, internal and external dimensions, base shape, rim reinforcement, weave density and finish. Define whether the basket hangs from straps, uses a handlebar bracket or rests on a supporting rack. Include the supplied straps, clamps, fasteners and liner in the approved sample.

Give the factory the intended handlebar and rack geometry, cable routing and agreed carrying load. Check steering movement and clearance from the tyre, brake cables and lights with the basket loaded. Define whether the basket is removable and how the latch should operate.

Consumer baskets supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Businesses importing or selling them are responsible for their safety. Keep fit-check and load-test results with the approved sample, and agree fitting instructions and carrying limits before production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 hand-made willow bicycle baskets; FOB value and freight are illustrative under 4602 19 90 10, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 2% is £184. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,384, so it is £1,876.80. Import taxes total £2,060.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £184 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Mounting fit: assemble the supplied kit on the intended bicycle setup; check clamp grip, strap security, latch operation and steering clearance under the agreed load.

Weave and finish: check the base and rim for loose bindings, broken strands and sharp cut ends; compare shape, colour and coating with the approved sample.

Moisture and pests: inspect incoming cartons for mould, musty smells, insect holes and powder; measure basket moisture against the agreed packing limit.

Packing and instructions: check protection against crushing, the complete fittings pack and clear fitting guidance. Use the approved sample and inspection brief when checking the batch on arrival.

What goes wrong

A basket can fit an empty display bicycle but sag towards the tyre when loaded. Straps stretch, brackets rotate and weak attachment points tear through the weave. Test the complete assembly on the intended bicycle setup rather than approving the basket from photographs alone.

Damp wicker can arrive mouldy, while tight nesting distorts rims and rubs away the finish. Agree drying and packing methods, inspect before dispatch and repeat the mounting checks on arrival. Ask the supplier to explain any material or fitting substitution before accepting the batch.

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.