Sourcing wooden mirror frames from China

Duty depends on the wood

Heading 4414 covers wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors and similar objects. This guide concerns wooden mirror frames supplied without mirrors. If the supplier includes mirror glass, ask your broker to confirm the classification of the complete article. See the wider wooden frames guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 November 2026, specified tropical wood mirror frames carry 2% duty from China; other tropical wood and other wooden frames carry 0%. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no duty suspension. It attaches CITES import control, alongside CITES export control and a cultural-object export licence entry.

For China-to-Great Britain orders, check whether the actual timber species and product need CITES documents. Where permits are required, obtain the British import and corresponding Chinese export documents. Ask your broker to confirm the applicable conditions and any later export requirements. Confirm the commodity code using the species declaration and a description of exactly what is supplied.

Specify the rebate, joints and hanging fittings

Write down the timber species, solid wood or veneered construction, outside dimensions, opening dimensions, moulding profile and mirror rebate depth. Agree how the mirror and backing will be retained, whether fittings are included, and the intended hanging orientation. Use an approved sample to settle stain colour, grain appearance, carving detail and corner finish.

Confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker whether the wooden frames fall within the UK Timber Regulations and what duties apply to the operator first placing them on the Great Britain market. Gather species and harvest-country information, assess illegal-harvest risk and address any concerns. Collect supporting documents before ordering. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety; assess the frame and fittings with the intended mirror fitted.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50 carved oak mirror frames, supplied without mirrors under 4414 90 00 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,400, so it is £1,880. 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 and finish: compare species paperwork and the approved sample; check moisture, warping, splinters, coating chips and colour differences.

Corners and rebate: check joint gaps, frame squareness and the opening; trial-fit the intended mirror and backing to find tight rebates or inadequate retention.

Hanging fittings: check position, screw engagement and attachment strength with the intended assembled mirror; look for split timber around fixing points.

Packing and arrival: check corner protection, separation between frames and carton movement; at inspection and on arrival, examine concealed corners and carved projections for damage.

What goes wrong

Mitred corners open as damp timber dries, stain differs between batches, and carved edges chip when frames rub inside cartons. A rebate that fits the sample can reject the buyer's mirror when production dimensions drift. Agree measurable acceptance criteria and use the intended mirror and backing during sample approval.

Hangers can pull out when screws bite into weak joints or thin mouldings. Timber documents can also describe only a generic hardwood rather than the actual species and harvest origin. Resolve fitting failures and gaps in the legality file before approving shipment.

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.