Sourcing wood inlay banding from China
Assembled decorative wood inlay banding from China carries 4% UK duty under the wood marquetry and inlaid wood line; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 4%. Check each timber species for CITES controls before ordering, and specify pattern, dimensions and glue bond. Cambridge China Bridge sources assembled decorative wood inlay banding.
Duty on assembled wood inlay banding
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, wood marquetry and inlaid wood under 4420 90 10 00 carries 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Heading 4420 also covers wooden boxes, ornaments and other articles. The table shows commercial banding variants sharing the same tariff line.
The tariff attaches CITES and ivory import controls to this line. For controlled timber, establish the species-specific document requirements before ordering. Where CITES permits are required for imports from China into Great Britain, ask APHA or your customs broker to confirm which UK and overseas documents are needed and how to present them at the border. For covered ivory, check registration or exemption certification before buying; ask your customs broker to confirm the import requirement.
Confirm the commodity code using photographs, a sample and the assembly description, including timber pieces and backing. This guide concerns assembled decorative inlay banding. For the wider product family, see wood marquetry panels.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembled geometric wood inlay banding | 4420 90 10 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the pattern and fitted thickness
Provide a drawing showing the pattern sequence, repeat length, strip width, thickness and usable length. Name every timber species and distinguish natural colour from dyed wood. Specify backing material, whether backing stays attached during fitting, and whether the banding arrives sanded, unfinished or coated. Agree how short pieces and visible joints will be handled.
Approve a sample fitted into your intended groove, using your adhesive and finishing process. Check that sanding does not remove the pattern or expose backing, and that mitred corners can meet without an obvious pattern break. Keep the fitted sample as the comparison for production.
For banding intended for or likely to be used by consumers in Great Britain, general product safety rules apply and the importer must ensure the product is safe. Include splinters, sharp edges and the intended fitting method in your review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 2,000 lengths of assembled decorative wood inlay banding under 4420 90 10 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,800. Duty at 4% is £392. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,192, so it is £2,038.40. Import taxes total £2,430.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £392 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Pattern: compare production strips with the approved sample for sequence, colour contrast, repeat alignment and visible joints.
Dimensions: measure width and thickness along each sampled strip, check straightness, and trial-fit pieces in the intended groove.
Bond and finish: cut and sand sample pieces, inspect for loose segments, glue gaps and chipped edges, and check the agreed finish for tackiness or colour transfer.
Arrival condition: inspect for mould, splits, warping and crushed ends; check bundle identification and compare species documents with the order. Record findings through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A matching photograph can conceal uneven thickness, weak glue joints or a pattern that changes between bundles. Loose segments can fall out during cutting, while excess sanding can erase thin decorative pieces. Dyed wood may stain adjacent pale timber during finishing. Trial cutting, fitting and finishing expose these problems before you accept production.
Moisture changes can curl strips or open joints during transit. Ask for packing that supports the lengths and protects the ends from impact and moisture. Keep suspect bundles separate on arrival, photograph the defects and compare them with the approved fitted sample before using the stock.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on wood inlay banding from China?
Assembled decorative banding classified as wood marquetry and inlaid wood under 4420 90 10 00 carries 4% duty in the supplied tariff data, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Does wood inlay banding need CITES paperwork?
It depends on the timber species and applicable listing. Obtain the species names and confirm the document requirements. Where import permits are required, ask APHA or your customs broker to confirm the UK and overseas documents needed and the border presentation process.
What should I send a Chinese banding factory?
Send the pattern drawing, timber species, dimensions, backing details and intended fitting method. Approve a sample after cutting, fitting, sanding and finishing it as you will use the production stock.
Why does wood inlay banding break during fitting?
Weak glue bonds, chipped segments or unsupported cutting can break the assembled pattern. Test production samples with your cutting and fitting process, and inspect joints before accepting the batch.