Import duty on balloons in the UK

HS code

9503.00

UK codes

19

UK import duty

0% – 4%

UK VAT

20%

Source: UK Global Tariff (HMRC Trade Tariff service) · checked 2026-10-31

Toy balloons are listed under 9503.00 with other toys.

UK commodity codes under 9503.00

UK commodity codeDescriptionImport dutyVAT
9503 00 10 00Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages0%20%
9503 00 21Dolls representing only human beings and parts and accessories thereof › Dolls
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 21 10 — Dolls representing only human beings and parts and accessories thereof › Dolls › Ornamental dolls dressed so as to reflect the folklore characteristic of the country of origin, hand-made
  • 9503 00 21 90 — Dolls representing only human beings and parts and accessories thereof › Dolls › Other
4%20%
9503 00 29 00Dolls representing only human beings and parts and accessories thereof › Parts and accessories0%20%
9503 00 30 00Electric trains, including tracks, signals and other accessories therefor; reduced-size (scale) model assembly kits0%20%
9503 00 35 00Other construction sets and constructional toys › Of plastics4%20%
9503 00 39Other construction sets and constructional toys › Of other materials
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 39 10 — Other construction sets and constructional toys › Of other materials › Hand-made, of wood
  • 9503 00 39 90 — Other construction sets and constructional toys › Of other materials › Other
0%20%
9503 00 41 00Toys representing animals or non-human creatures › Stuffed4%20%
9503 00 49Toys representing animals or non-human creatures › Other
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 49 10 — Toys representing animals or non-human creatures › Other › Hand-made, of wood
  • 9503 00 49 90 — Toys representing animals or non-human creatures › Other › Other
0%20%
9503 00 55Toy musical instruments and apparatus
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 55 10 — Toy musical instruments and apparatus › Hand-made, of wood
  • 9503 00 55 90 — Toy musical instruments and apparatus › Other
0%20%
9503 00 61Puzzles › Of wood
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 61 10 — Puzzles › Of wood › Hand-made
  • 9503 00 61 90 — Puzzles › Of wood › Other
0%20%
9503 00 69 00Puzzles › Other4%20%
9503 00 70 00Other toys, put up in sets or outfits4%20%
9503 00 75 00Other toys and models, incorporating a motor › Of plastics4%20%
9503 00 79 00Other toys and models, incorporating a motor › Of other materials0%20%
9503 00 81Other › Toy weapons
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 81 10 — Other › Toy weapons › Hand-made, of wood
  • 9503 00 81 90 — Other › Toy weapons › Other
0%20%
9503 00 85 00Other › Die-cast miniature models of metal4%20%
9503 00 87 00Other › Portable interactive electronic education devices primarily designed for children0%20%
9503 00 95Other › Other › Of plastics
3 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 95 30 — Other › Other › Of plastics › Miniature engine:<br>-consisting of a plastic body,<br>-containing a spring,<br>-providing movement of gear shafts with spring tension,<br>for use in the manufacture of the toys under heading 9503
  • 9503 00 95 40 — Other › Other › Of plastics › Miniature engine driven by mechanical friction:<br>-consisting of a plastic body,<br>-with shaft length 10,5 cm or more but not more than 14,5 cm,<br>-containing a metal disc,<br>-creating movement by causing the gears to rotate with the friction force,<br>for use in the manufacture of the toys under heading 9503
  • 9503 00 95 90 — Other › Other › Of plastics › Other
4%20%
9503 00 99Other › Other › Other
2 full 10-digit codes
  • 9503 00 99 10 — Other › Other › Other › Hand-made, of wood
  • 9503 00 99 90 — Other › Other › Other › Other
0%20%

Import duty on balloons by country

Import into the US

Free

See HTS codes ›

Import into the UK

0% – 4%

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Import into the EU

0% – 4.7%

See CN codes ›

How UK import charges work

The duty shown is the standard rate for goods from countries without a trade deal. Goods from a country with a UK trade agreement may pay less, or nothing, if they meet the rules of origin. A few products from certain countries also pay anti-dumping duties. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.

What will balloons really cost you?

Add freight, duty and fees to your supplier price for a true per-unit cost.

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Sellers of balloons also look up

Related products and their UK import duty.

HS 9503.00

Kids’ kick scooters

UK duty: 0% – 4%

HS 9503.00

Remote control cars

UK duty: 0% – 4%

HS 4823.69

Paper plates & cups

UK duty: 0%

HS 9405.31

Christmas string lights

UK duty: 2%

HS 7319.90

Crochet hooks & knitting needles

UK duty: 2%

HS 9505.90

Party & Halloween decorations

UK duty: 2%

Frequently asked questions

Q1What is the UK commodity code for balloons?
It depends on the product’s details: 19 UK codes sit under HS 9503.00. The table on this page lists each one with its duty.
Q2What is the import duty on balloons in the UK?
Between 0% – 4%, depending on the exact code. Goods from countries with a trade agreement may pay less if they meet the rules of origin.
Q3Do I pay VAT on imported balloons?
Yes. Import VAT of 20% applies on top of duty. The UK charges import VAT on the customs value plus shipping, insurance and duty.
Q4Is the UK code the same as the US HTS code?
Only the first 6 digits (9503.00) are the same. The US adds its own digits and rates: see the US HTS code for balloons.

Find another product’s UK duty

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New to customs terms? Read what an HS code is and our guide on how to calculate landed cost.

Classification guidance only, not a binding ruling or customs advice. The right code depends on your product’s exact material, function and construction. For certainty, get an Advance Tariff Ruling from HMRC, or ask a licensed customs broker.