Sourcing needlework frames from China

Duty depends on the wood

Heading 4414 covers wooden frames for pictures and similar objects. This guide concerns frames displaying finished needlework. Give your broker the timber species, construction and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Pine and oak examples share a code. For the wider heading, see wooden picture frames.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, specified tropical wood frames carry 2% duty from China; other tropical wood and other wooden frames carry 0%. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no tariff suspensions.

The tariff attaches CITES import control. Importing CITES specimens requires a permit; confirm whether the exact timber and finished frame are covered with your customs broker before shipment. The records also attach CITES export control and a DCMS export licence measure. Ask your broker to confirm their relevance and any requirements for onward export.

Specify clearance for stitched fabric

Specify the visible opening, mounting-board size, rebate depth and clearance above raised stitches, beads or knots. State whether the frame includes glazing, a spacer, a mount, backing and hanging fittings. Approve a sample assembled with representative needlework so folded fabric does not prevent the back from closing.

Confirm with the relevant authority how the UK Timber Regulations apply to the wooden frames and the business first placing them on the Great Britain market. As purchasing checks, gather species and harvest-country information, assess illegal-harvest risk and agree how to address it. Request supporting timber documents before ordering. Businesses trading in timber products must take steps to ensure legal sourcing.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4,000 pine needlework display frames 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

Fit: measure the opening and rebate against the approved drawing; assemble representative mounted fabric and check that the back closes without crushing stitches.

Wood and joints: compare species and finish with the approved sample, check for splinters and open mitres, and measure moisture content against the agreed specification.

Glazing and backing: check for cracks, scratches, dust and bowed boards; confirm that spacers keep the glazing clear of raised stitching.

Fittings and packing: test hangers and retaining clips with the assembled frame, check for protruding points, and examine protected corners after a packed-carton handling trial. Arrange inspection before shipment.

What goes wrong

A frame can match the stated outside dimensions yet hide part of the design because its visible opening is smaller than expected. A shallow rebate leaves folded fabric trapped under retaining clips, while glazing pressed against raised stitches flattens the work. Approve the complete mounted assembly.

Damp timber can move and open corner joints after arrival. Loose hangers, chipped finishes and broken glazing create further rejects. Check cartons on arrival and compare failures with the approved sample, packing specification and inspection record.

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.