Buying Perspex-type acrylic sheet or fabricated acrylic parts from China for delivery in the United Kingdom: the standards UK specifiers cite, fire rules for building use, import paperwork and how to compare quotes.
Reply within 12 hours · production from 20 pieces per design
For a UK order of acrylic from China, settle four things before you buy. Specify the sheet by type and standard, for example cast PMMA to BS EN ISO 7823-1, not just “Perspex”, which is a trade name. Check the fire rules if the acrylic goes into a building: Approved Document B and reaction-to-fire classes under BS EN 13501-1 limit where plastics can be used as wall and ceiling linings. Make sure the importer has a GB EORI number, and ask a customs broker to confirm the commodity code and duty under the UK Global Tariff. Then compare quotes on a delivered basis to your site, not on the factory price.
Specifications UK buyers use
| Need | Reference | What to put on the order |
| Cast acrylic sheet | BS EN ISO 7823-1 | “PMMA, cast, BS EN ISO 7823-1”, grade, colour, thickness |
| Extruded acrylic sheet | BS EN ISO 7823-2 | As above, extruded |
| Wall and ceiling linings in buildings | Approved Document B; BS EN 13501-1 classes | The class the project requires; most standard acrylic sheet does not reach high classes |
| Food-contact displays | Retained EU rules on plastics in contact with food | A food-contact declaration for the sheet on your order |
Sizes and thicknesses are metric in the UK, so drawings rarely need converting. “Perspex” on a drawing usually just means acrylic. Our guide to acrylic, plexiglass, Lucite and Perspex explains the names.
Import, freight and paperwork
- EORI. The UK importer needs a GB EORI number. Without one the goods cannot clear customs.
- Commodity code and duty. PMMA sheet usually falls under 3920 51, finished acrylic articles often under 3926 90. Your broker confirms the code and the current UK Global Tariff rate.
- VAT. Import VAT is due on entry. VAT-registered businesses can usually account for it through postponed VAT accounting.
- Ports. Felixstowe, Southampton and London Gateway handle most container freight from China. Name your site address so the quote covers the last leg.
- Incoterms. FOB leaves freight, insurance and clearance to you. DDP includes them. Compare like with like; see landed cost of shipping acrylic from China.
What we supply, and what we do not
AcrylicFabWorks, the acrylic division of SinoPlastix, supplies Calypto cast acrylic sheet and fabricated acrylic parts from one ISO 9001-certified plant in Suzhou, China. The sheet is cast on our own line at 135 tonnes a month, in 1–30 mm, and full sheets come in 1220 × 2440, 2050 × 3050 and 2000 × 1000 mm. Full sheets are quoted from 10 sheets; cut panels and parts from 20 pieces per design. Samples take 48 hours and production 7 days from drawing approval. We have no UK office, stock or fitting team. For one-off jobs a UK fabricator is quicker; for repeat production, send us the drawing. We work in acrylic only.
FAQ
Is Perspex the same as acrylic?
Yes. Perspex is a trade name that became the everyday UK word for acrylic (PMMA) sheet. Specify cast or extruded, grade and thickness on the order.
What do I need to import acrylic sheet from China to the UK?
A GB EORI number, the correct commodity code and duty confirmed by your broker, and a plan for import VAT. Compare quotes on a delivered basis.
Can acrylic be used as a wall lining in UK buildings?
Only where Approved Document B allows the reaction-to-fire class the sheet achieves. Most standard acrylic does not reach the higher classes, so check before specifying.
Do you hold stock in the UK?
No. We ship from Suzhou, China, on FOB, CIF or DDP terms.
Get a delivered price to your UK site
Send the drawing or cut list with the delivery postcode. We reply within 12 hours.
Or email [email protected]