Sourcing wooden shadow box frames from China
Wooden shadow box frames from China carry 0% to 2% UK duty, depending on the timber. Importers placing them on the Great Britain market should confirm timber legality due diligence obligations with the relevant authority and check whether CITES permits apply to the species and finished product. Cambridge China Bridge sources wooden shadow box frames.
Duty depends on the timber
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 4414 covers wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects. For wooden shadow box frames from China, specified tropical wood carries 2% duty; other tropical wood and non-tropical wood carry 0%. The supplied tariff extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.
The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls and a cultural objects export licence measure. For a China shipment, check whether the timber species and finished frame need CITES documentation. Official guidance requires permits for listed species. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import documents and any export requirements; the tariff flag alone does not establish whether a particular frame needs a permit.
Confirm the species and frame construction before choosing the commodity code. The extract contains only the commodity lines shown here. See the wooden picture frames guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden shadow box frames of specified tropical wood | 4414 10 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Wooden shadow box frames of other tropical wood | 4414 10 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Wooden shadow box frames of non-tropical wood | 4414 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify usable display depth and access
Specify the external dimensions, visible opening and usable depth between the backing and glazing. A deep outer moulding can conceal a shallow display cavity. State whether objects are inserted through a removable back or an opening front, and approve the spacer, lining, mounting surface and closure with the intended contents in place.
Name the timber species, glazing material, backing construction, finish and hanging arrangement. Confirm with the relevant timber authority whether the wooden frames are within the UK Timber Regulations and what due diligence the operator first placing them on the Great Britain market must carry out. Gather species and harvest-origin information, assess illegal timber risk and plan mitigation as part of your buying checks. Collect supporting documents before ordering.
Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Assess sharp glazing edges, loose closures and hanging fittings with the loaded frame. Specify whether wall display, shelf display or both are intended, and agree the packing around the glazing and projecting fittings.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 4,000 small pine shadow box 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
Cavity and access: measure the usable depth and opening against the approved drawing, fit the intended display objects, and check that the back or front opens and closes without rubbing.
Timber and finish: compare species paperwork and finish with the approved sample, inspect mitred corners for gaps, measure moisture, and check that the deep sides and backing remain flat.
Glazing and interior: check for cracks, scratches, trapped dust, loose spacers, lining wrinkles and visible adhesive; make sure the contents do not press against the glazing.
Fittings and packing: test closures and hanging fittings with the agreed display load, check backing retention, and examine corner protection and glazing after a carton drop trial. Use the inspection guide to prepare the checks.
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What goes wrong
The quoted depth can describe the outside of the frame rather than the space available for objects. Spacers move, thick backing reduces clearance, and the closure catches the display contents. Approve a complete sample containing the intended objects and keep the cavity measurements in the purchase specification.
Deep sides can twist and open the corner joints. Glass can crack when a fitting or spacer creates a pressure point, while weak back retainers let the display fall out. Check complete frames on arrival, including the interior and fittings, before releasing stock for sale.
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 shadow box frames from China?
Under heading 4414, duty is 2% for specified tropical wood and 0% for other tropical wood or non-tropical wood. The supplied tariff extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do wooden shadow box frames need timber legality documents?
Confirm with the relevant timber authority whether these wooden frames are within the UK Timber Regulations and what obligations apply to the operator first placing them on the Great Britain market. Gather timber information, assess illegal harvest risk and plan mitigation before buying.
Does every wooden shadow box frame need a CITES permit?
Check the species and finished product rather than assuming the tariff flag applies to every frame. Ask your customs broker to confirm the CITES documents required for the China shipment.
How should I specify shadow box frame depth?
Specify usable clearance between the backing and glazing, alongside external depth. Approve a sample with the intended contents fitted, including spacers, lining and the closure.