On November 25, 2025, the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) reaffirmed that the UK Government will uphold its anti-dumping measures on certain ceramic tableware and kitchenware originating from China for an additional five-year period, ending on 16 July 2029.

Since its introduction, the ceramics industry has experienced major shifts. It was created to protect domestic manufacturers from extremely low-priced imports. If your business relies on ceramic mugs, plates, jars, tableware, or promotional drinkware, understanding how the ceramics anti-dumping tax works is crucial. It helps you avoid unexpected cost increases, delays, and compliance risks.

This guide explains the essentials in a clear, practical way.

Anti-dumping tax is a special tax imposed on imports of products sold below the fair market value or below the cost of production. As mentioned, the purpose of anti-dumping laws is to protect domestic producers from unfair competition by foreign firms that may be selling products at prices lower than their fair market value.

If the special tax is removed, dumping from China will continue to increase volumes and cause further injury to the UK industry. In 2024, Chinese imports accounted for 67% of all imports in this category, often priced below similar products made by UK manufacturers.

This regulation will benefit the European Union industry. The EU industry consists of more than 200 producers, with factories located in the different Member States. They directly employ more than 25 000 people in the production and sales of the like product.

By imposing a high tax rate for these products, the market will search for substitute products and turn to local producers instead. Dumping can eliminate local producers from the market and this will affect the unemployment rate in the Union. This is certainly not in the interest of the Union, especially in the midst of a financial crisis.

2025: Measure Renewed Until 2029

• 25 November 2025 – The UK Government confirms a five-year extension of the anti-dumping duty on ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China.

• New validity period: until 16 July 2029.

• Based on TRA findings, removing the duty would likely lead to continued dumping and harm to the UK industry.

2023–2025: TRA Transition Review

• The UK Trade Remedies Authority conducts a comprehensive review after Brexit.

• Assessment concludes that unfair pricing practices are still present and that duties remain necessary.

2020–2021: Post-Brexit Carryover

• After leaving the EU, the UK will retain its existing anti-dumping measures.

• The TRA begins formal transition reviews of previously EU-managed duties, including ceramics.

2018: EU Expiry Review

• The EU reviews the anti-dumping measures and determines they should continue.

• The duty is extended for another five years.

2013: Anti-Dumping Duty First Introduced

• The European Union imposes anti-dumping duties on ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China.

• Purpose: to prevent dumped imports from undercutting EU ceramic manufacturers.

2012–2013: Initial Investigation

• EU investigation finds evidence that ceramic imports from China were being sold at unfairly low prices, causing injury to domestic producers.

• Leads directly to the 2013 measure.

The UK anti-dumping measure applies specifically to ceramic tableware and kitchenware originating from China. These products fall under the following HS codes:

• HS 6911 – Tableware, kitchenware, and other household items made of porcelain or china

• HS 6912 – Tableware, kitchenware, and other household items made of ceramics other than porcelain/china

Under these classifications, the affected items typically include plates, bowls, mugs, cups, saucers, dishes, jugs, serving pieces, and similar functional tableware intended for household or catering use.

Products not covered by the measure include decorative ceramics, ceramic ornaments, tiles, and any non-tableware items falling outside HS 6911 and 6912. These remain excluded from the anti-dumping duty.

This clear distinction ensures the measure targets only functional ceramic tableware and kitchenware imported from China.

Ceramics Merchandise Ideas

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