Sourcing wooden jewellery boxes from China
Wooden jewellery boxes from China carry 0% or 2% UK duty according to the wood; the heading's marquetry and inlaid wood line carries 4%, subject to classification. Check the species and any CITES permit requirements, and ensure the finished box is safe. Cambridge China Bridge sources wooden jewellery boxes.
Duty depends on the wood and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, heading 4420 covers wooden jewellery caskets and cases alongside marquetry, inlaid wood and ornaments. Jewellery boxes of other wood carry 0% duty from China; those of specified tropical wood carry 2%. The marquetry and inlaid wood line carries 4%. An inlaid decoration alone should not be used to choose that line without checking the complete article.
The supplied tariff lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. They attach CITES import control, and some also attach an ivory import control. For CITES-listed timber from China, confirm the species and applicable permits for import into Great Britain with your customs broker before ordering. For ivory components, the tariff attaches a control; ask your customs broker to confirm the import requirement.
Confirm the commodity code using the species, construction and finished article description. The wider wooden boxes guide covers the other products in this heading. The tariff also lists export controls, including CITES, ivory and a cultural objects licence entry; ask your broker about these if re-exporting.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden jewellery boxes of other wood | 4420 90 99 90 | 0% | None |
| Hand-made jewellery boxes of specified tropical wood | 4420 90 91 19 | 2% | None |
| Other jewellery boxes of specified tropical wood | 4420 90 91 99 | 2% | None |
| Wood marquetry and inlaid wood, subject to classification | 4420 90 10 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the shell, lining and lid
Record the timber species, whether the shell is solid wood or veneered board, the veneer pattern and the agreed colour variation. Specify usable compartment sizes, ring-roll layout, removable trays and necklace storage. Approve a sample with the actual lining fabric, adhesive, hinges, clasp and mirror, rather than approving the exterior alone.
Agree lid alignment, opening movement, lining attachment, finish and moisture checks. Include protection between the mirror and trays during transport. Boxes with mirrors, hinges and locks must be safe under general product safety law; do not sell products you know, or should have known, are unsafe.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5,000 wooden jewellery boxes under 4420 90 99 90, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,800, so it is £1,960. 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
Timber: compare species and construction with the approved sample; check moisture, splits, warping, mould and insect holes.
Lid and hardware: open and close the lid repeatedly; check hinge security, clasp alignment, sharp edges and mirror attachment.
Lining and compartments: check loose fabric, exposed glue, uneven ring rolls and snagging points; confirm trays lift out and fit back.
Finish and packing: check colour, scratches, tackiness and odour; inspect protective wrapping and repeat these checks on arrival through your inspection process.
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What goes wrong
A lid can fit at the factory and bind after damp timber moves in transit. Uncured lacquer can stick to wrapping, while lining adhesive can leave stains or an odour inside the closed box. Uneven hinges produce a crooked closing gap, and unsupported mirrors can crack during handling.
Keep the approved sample and written acceptance criteria available for inspection. Check packed samples as well as unpacked boxes, and record arrival defects before distributing the stock. A changed timber species can also change the duty or protected-species checks.
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 wooden jewellery boxes from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% for other wood and 2% for specified tropical wood. The marquetry and inlaid wood line is 4%, subject to classification. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is shown.
Do rosewood jewellery boxes need CITES permits?
Many rosewoods are CITES-listed. Obtain the exact species name and confirm the relevant permits for import into Great Britain before ordering.
What should I specify for the inside of a jewellery box?
Specify compartment sizes, ring rolls, tray fit, lining fabric and adhesive. Check for snagging points, glue marks and odour using a sample with the intended materials.
Why do wooden jewellery boxes arrive warped or mouldy?
Timber moisture and damp packing can cause movement and mould during transit. Agree moisture checks and protective packing, then inspect lid fit, cracks and mould on arrival.