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LandedCost
Landed-cost guide

Importing kitchenware from China to the UK

Everything you need to land kitchenware profitably — duty rates, VAT, HS codes, typical freight and the hidden costs most importers miss. Last reviewed 15 July 2026.

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Quick answer

The typical duty rate for kitchenware (HS 6911.10) imported to the UK is 12%, plus 20% import VAT — paid at the border by default, unless postponed via PVA.

Duty rate12%
Import VAT20%
HS code6911.10

Importing kitchenware at a glance

Primary HS code6911.10
Duty rate (the UK)12%
Import VAT20%
Typical lead time30–40 days door-to-door
Typical freight modeSea (LCL)
Key complianceFood-contact declarations, lead/cadmium migration testing

Rates shown are indicative, not live tariff data — last reviewed 15 July 2026. Always confirm your commodity code and the current rate on the official UK Trade Tariff before shipping.

A worked example: landing kitchenware

Illustrative order for this category and lane. All figures in USD.

Sample order — 1,000 unitsLanded cost
Goods (FOB)$8,000
Freight & insurance$1,400
Duty (12%)$1,128
Import VAT (20%)$2,106
Total landed$12,634
Landed cost / unit$12.63

Import VAT is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA, in which case VAT-registered importers declare and reclaim it on the same VAT return.

Costs to watch when importing kitchenware

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Food-contact testing
Ceramic and porcelain tableware needs lead and cadmium migration testing plus a declaration of compliance for food-contact materials. Retailers will ask for the certificates.
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Anti-dumping duty on Chinese ceramics
The 12% MFN duty is only the start for China-origin tableware: a UK anti-dumping duty of up to 36.1% applies on top of it (maintained to 16 July 2029), with lower company-specific rates only if your exporter has a TRA additional code. The worked example below shows MFN alone — confirm your supplier's rate before you price. Non-porcelain ceramic (6912) carries a lower 4–8% MFN but the same anti-dumping exposure.
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Breakage rates
Expect 2–4% transit breakage on ceramics even with good cartons. Cost it into the per-unit landed price rather than absorbing it as a surprise.
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Mixed-material classification
Sets that mix porcelain, glass and stainless steel can classify differently per component. Getting the split wrong risks underpaid duty and retrospective demands.

Importing kitchenware — FAQ

What duty applies to kitchenware imported from China?
Porcelain tableware under HS 6911.10 carries 12% UK MFN duty (non-porcelain ceramic under 6912 is 4–8%). Critically, China-origin ceramic tableware also attracts a UK anti-dumping duty of up to 36.1% on top of the MFN rate, in force to 16 July 2029 — so budget well above the headline 12%. Rates are indicative and vary by origin and trade measures — verify the current rate and your supplier's specific anti-dumping rate on the official UK Trade Tariff.
Do I need food-safety certificates to import kitchenware?
Yes — food-contact materials need migration test reports and a declaration of compliance. Border officials and major retailers can both request them.
Is import VAT charged on the duty as well?
Yes. Import VAT is calculated on customs value plus freight plus duty, and is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA on your VAT return.

Related guides

Importing furniture from China →Importing LED lighting from China →6911.10 duty rate explained →
— Importing kitchenware

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