Sourcing 52100 bearing steel bars from China
52100 bearing steel bars from China have listed UK duties of 0% to 50%, depending on processing and diameter. Confirm the tariff composition against the heat certificate and distinguish hot-worked, forged and cold-finished bars before declaring. Cambridge China Bridge sources 52100 bearing steel bars.
Duty depends on processing and diameter
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7228 covers other alloy steel bars and rods, sections and hollow drill bars. For 52100 bearing bars, match the heat chemistry to the tariff's bearing-steel composition and identify the processing condition. Within that composition, hot-worked rounds of 80 mm or more carry 50%; other hot-worked bars carry 0%. Forged other alloy bars carry 0%, while cold-finished bearing-composition bars carry 50%.
The hot-worked lines list 22.50% residual anti-dumping duty. The published background guide explains that this measure covers high-fatigue-performance concrete reinforcing bar; other bars use additional code 8W01 for exemption. Have your broker confirm that treatment for the actual bearing bars. The supplied snapshot lists no suspensions or additional import controls for these selected lines. Check any available tariff quota with your broker before shipment rather than assuming a lower rate.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemistry, section, diameter and actual processing history. A grade name alone is insufficient. For the wider heading, see engineering steel bars. Keep supply-chain origin documents available to demonstrate compliance with iron and steel sanctions. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether these bearing steel bars are covered by the carbon border adjustment mechanism from 1 January 2027; see the UK carbon border adjustment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-worked bearing-composition round bars, diameter 80 mm or more | 7228 30 41 00 | 50% | 22.50% residual anti-dumping |
| Hot-worked bearing-composition bars, including rounds under 80 mm | 7228 30 49 00 | 0% | 22.50% residual anti-dumping |
| Other alloy steel bars, not further worked than forged | 7228 40 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Cold-formed or cold-finished bars meeting the bearing-steel composition | 7228 50 40 00 | 50% | None |
Specify 52100 condition and cleanliness
Write the grade, agreed chemistry, delivery condition, diameter, length, tolerances and machining allowance into the order. State whether you need hot-rolled, forged, cold-drawn or ground bars, and whether spheroidising annealing is required. Agree hardness, microstructure, inclusion ratings, decarburisation limits and internal-defect acceptance criteria with your bearing manufacturer.
Use ISO 683-17 as the bearing-steel specification reference where appropriate. Request a BS EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate for each heat, showing chemistry, condition and test results. Agree ultrasonic testing where internal soundness matters. Ask the mill to demonstrate the specified condition and testing capability through factory verification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of forged bearing steel bars; illustrative order under 7228 40 90 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Traceability: match bundle labels and bar identification to the heat certificate, packing list and agreed grade. Keep different heats identifiable during storage and cutting.
Chemistry and condition: independently check sampled heat chemistry and hardness against the order. Review microstructure, inclusion and ultrasonic results against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Dimensions and surface: measure diameter, ovality, straightness and length. Check machining allowance, seams, cracks, scale and decarburisation evidence.
Packing and arrival: inspect protective oil, wrapping, bundle restraint and moisture damage before accepting the delivery. 52100 steel lacks significant corrosion resistance, so photograph rust and quarantine affected bars for assessment.
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What goes wrong
A certificate headed with the correct grade can still leave the delivery condition, cleanliness or heat identity unresolved. Poor annealing can complicate machining; inclusions, internal defects and decarburised surfaces can undermine the finished bearing. Agree acceptance criteria before production and investigate doubtful material before machining the batch.
A cold-finished bar declared as hot-worked can also produce the wrong duty calculation. Compare the mill's processing record with the certificate and customs description before dispatch. Confirm quota availability and the rebar exemption treatment separately, then use UK import duty and VAT to check the landed-cost calculation.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on 52100 bearing steel bars from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 0% to 50%. Hot-worked bearing-composition rounds of 80 mm or more and cold-finished bearing-composition bars carry 50%; other hot-worked bearing-composition bars and forged other alloy bars carry 0%.
Do 52100 bearing bars attract anti-dumping duty?
The hot-worked lines list 22.50%, but the reference guide limits the measure to high-fatigue-performance rebar. Other bars use exemption code 8W01. Ask your broker to confirm its use for your bearing bars.
What certificate should I request for bearing steel bars?
Request a BS EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate linked to each heat, with chemistry, delivery condition and test results. Agree additional cleanliness, microstructure and internal-defect evidence in the order.
What should I check when bearing steel bars arrive?
Check heat identity, dimensions, straightness, surface defects and rust before releasing the bars. Compare hardness and the agreed cleanliness and internal-soundness results with the purchase specification.