Sourcing woven willow coffins from China
Woven willow coffins from China carry 2% UK duty on the relevant hand-made and other willow lines; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 4%. Consumer products must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check carrying strength and cremation materials before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources woven willow coffins.
UK duty on woven willow coffins
Heading 4602 covers basketwork, wickerwork and other shaped articles of plaiting materials. For woven willow coffins, the relevant vegetable-material lines are 4602 19 90 10 for hand-made articles and 4602 19 90 90 for other articles. The table repeats these codes across size variants; size alone does not distinguish the listed tariff lines.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, both relevant lines carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The wider heading ranges from 0% to 4%, but those endpoints concern other materials or products.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual construction, materials and manufacturing method, particularly where a substantial wooden inner box is included. For other products within the heading, see the woven willow pet baskets guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-made woven willow coffins, adult sizes | 4602 19 90 10 | 2% | None |
| Other woven willow coffins, adult sizes | 4602 19 90 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the base, carrying system and materials
Give the factory internal and external dimensions, shoulder profile, lid fastening, base construction, handle positions and intended carrying load. Identify the willow, reinforcement, lining, absorbent insert, adhesives and finish separately. Approve an assembled sample and agree a loaded handling test with the funeral director before production.
Consumer products must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Official crematoria guidance says coffin materials must not produce sticky ashes or cause fouling and slagging within the cremator. For cremation orders, send the complete material specification to the receiving crematorium and request confirmation of suitability before approving the sample.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 24 hand-made woven willow coffins under 4602 19 90 10, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 2% is £184. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,384, so it is £1,876.80. Import taxes total £2,060.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £184 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Carrying strength: test the finished base, handles and their attachments under the agreed load and carrying method; look for sagging, splitting and movement at the bindings.
Fit and finish: measure the usable internal space and external profile, fit the lid, operate its fastenings and check for sharp willow ends.
Moisture and condition: compare moisture readings with the agreed packing limit, inspect beneath the lining for mould and check for musty smells, insect holes and loose debris.
Materials and packing: compare the base, lining, adhesive and finish with the approved specification; check that transport supports prevent distortion. Record findings through the quality inspection process.
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What goes wrong
A neat weave can hide a weak base or handles secured only to the outer weave. Lids can stop fitting after the body distorts in transit, and external measurements can conceal inadequate internal space. Test an assembled production sample rather than accepting photographs of an empty coffin.
Damp willow can arrive mouldy, while changes to the lining, glue or base can undermine the agreed cremation specification. Keep the approved sample and material list, require written approval for substitutions, and inspect packed goods before dispatch and again 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 woven willow coffins from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 2% for both 4602 19 90 10, hand-made willow articles, and 4602 19 90 90, other willow articles, with no listed trade remedies or suspensions.
Can woven willow coffins be used for cremation?
Check the complete construction with the receiving crematorium before ordering. Official guidance says coffin materials must not produce sticky ashes or cause fouling and slagging in the cremator.
How should I check willow coffin handles?
Agree the carrying load and method, then test an assembled coffin with its production base and handles. Check attachments, bindings and base deflection, rather than pulling each handle on an empty sample.
How do I reduce mould in imported willow coffins?
Agree drying and packing conditions, measure moisture before packing, and inspect beneath the lining. Check for mould and musty smells on arrival before releasing stock.