Sourcing wooden oval picture frames from China
Wooden oval picture frames from China attract UK duty of 0% to 2%, depending on the wood species. Confirm with the relevant authority how the UK Timber Regulations and timber due diligence obligations apply to the frames; CITES paperwork depends on the species. Specify the oval opening and glazing fit. Cambridge China Bridge sources wooden oval picture frames.
Wood species determines the duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 4414 covers wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors and similar objects. For oval picture frames from China, specified tropical wood carries 2% duty; other tropical wood and other wooden frames carry 0%. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. Pine and oak examples share a commodity code.
The tariff attaches CITES import control. For covered timber species, obtain the applicable CITES permission and check both tabs of the official import restrictions list before applying. Ask your customs broker to confirm the species-specific requirements and China's export paperwork. The tariff also records CITES export control and a DCMS Export Licence control; confirm their application with your broker if onward export is planned.
Confirm the species and construction before choosing the commodity code. For the wider product family, see wooden picture frames. Confirm with the relevant authority how the UK Timber Regulations apply to the frames and the business first placing them on the Great Britain market, including requirements for species and harvest-country information, illegal-timber risk assessment and any necessary mitigation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oval picture frames of specified tropical wood | 4414 10 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Oval picture frames of other tropical wood | 4414 10 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Pine oval picture frames | 4414 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the oval opening and curved rim
Supply a drawing showing the outside oval, visible picture opening and rear rebate that holds the glazing and backing. State the long and short axes separately, rebate depth, rim profile and whether the frame is cut from a blank or assembled from curved sections. Specify solid wood or veneered construction, species, finish, mount and wall-hanging or standing use.
Approve a physical sample with the intended picture, glazing and backing fitted. Check that the oval is symmetrical, the rim has an even width and the picture stays centred. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. Review exposed glazing edges and hanging fittings, and agree protective packing around the curved rim.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 4,000 pine oval picture frames, illustrative only 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
Shape and fit: compare the opening and outer curve with the approved drawing; fit the glazing, mount and backing without forcing them.
Timber and finish: check species documents, moisture, splits, visible segment joints and grain direction; compare stain or paint with the approved sample.
Glazing and fittings: check cracks, scratches, chipped edges and trapped dust; operate retaining tabs and test the hanger or easel with the assembled frame.
Packing and arrival: open sample cartons after transport and check rim dents, rubbed finishes and displaced glazing. Include these checks in your inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
An outside-size description can conceal a picture opening that is too small or a rebate that does not match the glazing. Uneven curves leave a rim that looks wider on one side, while poorly fitted backing rattles or presses against the glazing. Use the fitted sample and drawing as the acceptance reference.
Segment joints can open, thin parts of the curved rim can split, and raised decoration can rub through its finish in transit. Check the complete perimeter rather than applying a rectangular-frame corner checklist. Separate cracked glazing and loose fittings from saleable stock while investigating the cause.
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 oval picture frames from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% for other tropical wood and other wooden frames, or 2% for specified tropical wood. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Do wooden oval picture frames need timber due diligence?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the wooden frames fall within the UK Timber Regulations and what obligations apply to the business first placing them on the Great Britain market, including harvest information, illegal-timber risk assessment and any necessary mitigation.
Do wooden oval picture frames need CITES paperwork?
It depends on the species. The tariff attaches CITES import control. Confirm the applicable permission and China's export paperwork with your customs broker, and check import restrictions before applying.
What dimensions should I give an oval frame factory?
Give the outside oval, visible opening and rear rebate dimensions, with separate long and short axes. Specify the glazing and backing, then approve a sample with the intended picture fitted.