Why Import Duties Matter for Stone Buyers
Import duties can add anywhere from 0% to 20% to your landed stone cost — a swing that makes or breaks project budgets. Understanding your target market's tariff structure before you place orders helps you price accurately, choose optimal shipping routes, and identify markets where your stone products are most competitive.
This guide provides current (2026) duty rates for the most common natural stone categories imported from China. Always verify with a licensed customs broker before finalizing contracts — HS code classifications can vary by specific product characteristics, and trade policies change.
⚠️ Important: Duty rates shown are general rates for Chinese-origin stone as of 2026. Some countries apply additional tariffs on Chinese goods (e.g., US Section 301 tariffs). Always confirm with your customs broker.
Common HS Codes for Natural Stone
| HS Code | Product Description |
|---|---|
| 6802.23 | Granite — worked (cut, polished, etc.), not set |
| 6802.21 | Marble, travertine, alabaster — worked |
| 6802.29 | Other stone — worked (sandstone, slate, basalt, etc.) |
| 6802.91 | Marble, travertine, alabaster — simply cut or sawn |
| 6802.93 | Granite — simply cut or sawn, with flat or even surface |
| 6802.99 | Other worked stone — not elsewhere specified |
| 6801.00 | Setts, curbstones, flagstones (natural stone) |
Duty Rates by Country / Region
United States
| Product | General Duty Rate | Section 301 (China) | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite slabs, polished (6802.23) | 3.7% | +25%* | 28.7%* |
| Marble slabs, polished (6802.21) | 3.7% | +25%* | 28.7%* |
| Granite tiles/pavers (6802.93) | Free | +25%* | 25%* |
| Granite monuments/tombstones | 6.5% | +25%* | 31.5%* |
| Sandstone, simply cut (6802.99) | 4.0% | +25%* | 29%* |
*Section 301 tariffs on Chinese stone products remain in effect as of 2026. Some importers may qualify for exclusions. Check USTR.gov for current exclusion lists.
European Union
| Product | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granite, polished slabs (6802.23) | 3.0% | Most-favored nation (MFN) rate for Chinese origin |
| Marble, polished slabs (6802.21) | 3.0% | |
| Granite, rough blocks (2516.12) | 0% | EU imports significant rough block volumes |
| Worked sandstone (6802.29) | 3.0% |
The EU applies a flat 3% MFN rate to most worked natural stone from China. Plus VAT at destination country rate (17-27% depending on country — recoverable for registered businesses). CE marking is required for construction products under EU CPR 305/2011.
United Kingdom
| Product | Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| Granite, worked (6802.23) | 3.0% |
| Marble, worked (6802.21) | 3.0% |
| Other worked stone (6802.29) | 3.0% |
UK applies UK Global Tariff (UKGT) rates — currently aligned with EU rates for natural stone. Plus 20% VAT (recoverable for VAT-registered businesses). UKCA marking has replaced CE marking for UK market access.
Australia
| Product | Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| Granite, polished (6802.23) | 5.0% |
| Marble, polished (6802.21) | 5.0% |
| Stone, simply cut (6802.9x) | 5.0% |
Plus 10% GST. Under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), many stone products qualify for reduced or zero duty — check eligibility with your customs broker.
Canada
| Product | Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| Granite, polished slabs (6802.23) | 0% (MFN) |
| Marble, polished (6802.21) | 0% (MFN) |
| Granite tiles (6802.93) | 0% (MFN) |
Canada applies 0% MFN duty to most natural stone products. Plus GST/HST (5-15% depending on province). This makes Canada a relatively attractive market for Chinese stone imports from a tariff perspective.
Middle East (UAE / Saudi Arabia / Qatar)
| Country | Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 5% | Most stone under GCC Common External Tariff |
| Saudi Arabia | 5-15% | 5% GCC rate applies to most worked stone; some categories at 15% |
| Qatar | 5% | GCC tariff applied |
| Kuwait | 5% |
The GCC applies a harmonized 5% tariff on most worked natural stone. No VAT equivalent in UAE (5% VAT introduced 2018; registered businesses can recover). The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese stone — particularly for luxury hotel, residential villa, and infrastructure projects.
Other Import Costs to Budget
Duties are only one component of landed cost. Factor in:
- Customs brokerage fees: $150-500 per entry (varies by country and complexity)
- Port handling charges: $200-600 per container (terminal handling, documentation)
- Inland trucking from port: $300-1,500 depending on distance
- Bond fees (US): 0.5-1% of declared value if using a customs bond
- Inspection fees: If customs examines your container ($200-500)
- Warehouse/storage: If you cannot take delivery immediately ($50-100/day per container)