How to export steel scrap from the UK to China

Establish whether the buyer can import the material

For steel, nickel and other metal scrap, the first question is whether the proposed shipment can enter China: imports of solid waste by any means have been banned since 1 January 2021. Before accepting an order, give the buyer a precise description of the material and have its customs broker assess the proposed shipment. Agree the material specification and the evidence needed before committing stock.

UK exports under HS 7204-7902 (10 subheadings): HMRC recorded £6.2m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 10 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £36.1m, -82.8%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £4.3m.

For UK exports under HS 7204-7902 (10 subheadings), January to July 2026: £1.9m against £3.4m in the same months of 2025 (-43.8%). The largest listed UK export line to mainland China in 2025 was 72044910, fragmentised "shredded" iron or steel scrap, at £2.7m.

Match the scrap to its Chinese tariff line

Separate cast iron, stainless steel, other alloy steel, tinned scrap, machining scrap, other iron or steel scrap, remelting scrap ingots, nickel, lead and zinc when preparing the classification. The corresponding Chinese tariff lines appear below; the UK export code must also match the actual goods. GACC Decree 280 concerns overseas food manufacturers, so its food-manufacturer registration does not apply to this scrap.

Price the shipment using the correct border taxes

The following MFN rates apply to the listed Chinese tariff lines. A tariff line and its rate do not settle whether the material is admissible. Duty and import VAT add to the buyer's landed cost and therefore affect the price it can offer for your scrap.

Under the VAT Law, the standard import VAT rate is 13%, subject to its exceptions and special rules. Import VAT is calculated on the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax, multiplied by the applicable rate. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to this scrap.

Complete the UK export and waste-shipment checks

For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, you need a GB EORI and the correct commodity code. The online export declaration needs the value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details and invoice and packing-list references. Prepare these against the actual scrap consignment so the buyer can reconcile its purchase specification with the shipment.

Waste shipments require a separate check against GOV.UK's waste export and import guidance, including the licences or certificates applicable to the consignment. The carrier needs the invoice and any export licences or certificates. Settle the UK waste-shipment requirements alongside the Chinese import assessment before booking transport.

Find and check a Chinese buyer before committing stock

Ask a prospective importer to explain the material it wants, its proposed classification and how it will obtain the shipment assessment. This scrap is absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so do not build the sale around that route. Keep the agreed specification and border-cost assumptions attached to the commercial offer.

Through our export-to-China service, our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. Regulated roles, including the importer of record, stay with licensed partners in China; the brand's own filings stay the brand's.