Sourcing wooden medal cases from China
Wooden medal presentation cases from China carry 0% to 2% UK duty, while the marquetry line carries 4% if applicable. Consumer cases must be safe, and CITES-listed timber needs the appropriate permits. Specify the medal recess and ribbon space. Cambridge China Bridge sources wooden medal presentation cases.
Duty by timber and construction
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 4420 covers wooden caskets, cases and similar articles as well as marquetry and ornaments. For finished medal presentation cases, the relevant distinctions are the timber species, hand-made status and construction. The table gives candidate lines, rather than interchangeable codes for any wooden box.
Cases of other wood carry 0% duty from China; cases of specified tropical wood carry 2%. Wood marquetry and inlaid wood carry 4%, but decorative veneer alone should not be assumed to put a finished case in that line. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions. Confirm the commodity code using the species, construction details and sample photographs. See the related wooden coin presentation cases guide for the wider heading.
The tariff attaches CITES import control and, on relevant lines, an ivory import control. CITES-listed timber needs the appropriate permits; UK Border Force checks and endorses the documents. The ivory rules ban dealing in ivory: specify no ivory decoration and ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for any proposed ivory-containing item. The record also lists export controls and cultural-goods export licensing; ask your broker about these if you plan to re-export.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden medal cases of other wood | 4420 90 99 90 | 0% | None |
| Hand-made medal cases of specified tropical wood | 4420 90 91 19 | 2% | None |
| Other medal cases of specified tropical wood | 4420 90 91 99 | 2% | None |
| Wood marquetry and inlaid wood, where applicable to the case | 4420 90 10 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the medal recess and ribbon space
Give the factory an actual medal and ribbon, plus a drawing of the recess, insert depth and lid clearance. State whether the medal is loose, mounted or inside a capsule. Specify how the ribbon folds and whether the lid must close without pressing against the medal, suspension bar or ribbon.
Name the timber species and distinguish solid wood, veneer and board components. Agree the lining fabric, colour, insert removability, hinge opening, clasp and engraving position. Approve a sample with your medal fitted. For consumer cases sold in Great Britain, general product safety rules require safe products; assess splinters, sharp hardware, lid trapping and loose components.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 800 wooden medal presentation cases, illustrative only 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
Medal fit: fit the intended medal and folded ribbon into production cases; check that the insert holds them securely and that the lid closes without pressure or rubbing.
Timber and finish: check species records, moisture, mould, cracks and warping; compare grain and colour with the approved sample and check for tacky lacquer or persistent odour.
Lining and artwork: check recess alignment, exposed glue, loose fabric, colour transfer and loose fibres; compare engraving spelling, orientation and position with the approved artwork.
Hardware and packing: operate hinges and clasps, check protruding screws and uneven lid gaps, and inspect cases from arrival cartons for crushed corners, scratched surfaces and moisture damage. Use the inspection guide to agree the checks.
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What goes wrong
A recess made from a photograph can fit the medal face but miss its suspension fitting. Ribbon space disappears when the lid lining is added, and thick inserts press the medal against the lid. Send the complete medal assembly and approve the closed case, not just the empty box.
Wet timber can warp and misalign the clasp. Uncured lacquer sticks to protective wrapping, while uneven glue leaves ridges beneath the lining. Loose fibres and rough recess edges spoil presentation. Check production cases against the fitted sample before dispatch, then repeat fit and condition checks on arrival.
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 medal cases from China?
Cases of other wood carry 0%; specified tropical-wood cases carry 2%. The wood marquetry and inlaid wood line carries 4% if applicable. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do rosewood medal cases need CITES permits?
Many rosewoods are CITES-listed. Obtain the scientific species name and confirm the appropriate permits before ordering. A factory's description of the timber as rosewood is not enough.
How do I stop the medal moving inside the case?
Approve the insert using the actual medal, suspension fitting and ribbon. Check recess depth, retention and lid clearance on production cases, including any capsule or mounting.
What should I check when wooden medal cases arrive?
Check medal and ribbon fit, lid closure, hinges, clasp, lining adhesion, engraving and surface finish. Look for mould, warping, cracks, persistent odour and damage beneath the protective wrapping.