Sourcing aftermarket alloy wheels from China
Forged or multi-piece aluminium road wheels from China carry a 22.3% UK anti-dumping duty; cast aluminium wheels are exempt only if the commercial invoice carries the signed cast-aluminium declaration and the entry uses additional code 8A26 and document code D008. On 26 October 2026 the ordinary duty on 8708 70 50 50 was suspended to 0% until 30 June 2027.
Products and search terms
alloy wheels, aftermarket wheels, cast alloy wheels, forged wheels, flow-formed wheels, aluminium road wheels
Cast or forged decides the duty
The UK anti-dumping duty on aluminium road wheels from China applies to wheels machined from a forged blank or assembled from multiple pieces, and to machined parts of aluminium road wheels, at 22.3% with additional code 8A25. The duty was revoked for cast aluminium wheels from 26 January 2022; they use additional code 8A26 at 0%.
To get the cast rate, a valid commercial invoice with a declaration signed by an identifiable official of the issuing company must be presented, using document code D008. The declaration certifies that the wheels are made from cast aluminium and names the producer and its address. Without the invoice declaration, the forged rate of 22.3% applies. Agree the exact wording with the factory before shipment, not after the goods arrive.
Flow-formed wheels start as a casting; ask the factory to state the process in writing and keep that statement with the invoice. The notice gives 25 January 2027 as the date the forged-wheel duty ceases; check for a review notice before ordering for delivery after that date.
Ordinary customs duty
Aluminium road wheels for cars are classified in 8708 70 50. The UK Trade Tariff API, read on 26 October 2026, shows a 4% third-country rate and an autonomous tariff suspension at 0% on 8708 70 50 50 running to 30 June 2027. Ask your customs agent to confirm that the suspension applies to your entry and code. Wheels fitted with tyres for buses or lorries use different subheadings.
Use the anti-dumping duty checker and the import duty calculator to test your own figures.
| Wheel type | Additional code | Customs duty | Anti-dumping duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast aluminium, with the signed invoice declaration (D008) | 8A26 | 0% (4% suspended to 30 June 2027) | 0% |
| Forged or multi-piece aluminium, or cast without the declaration | 8A25 | 0% (4% suspended to 30 June 2027) | 22.3% |
Fitment and strength evidence
Specify each wheel by diameter, width, offset (ET), stud pattern (PCD), centre bore, load rating per wheel, the seat type of the wheel nuts or bolts, and the vehicles it is sold for. A wheel that fits the studs but has the wrong seat or centre bore is a safety problem, not a cosmetic one.
Ask which test standard the strength reports follow (for example JWL or a TÜV report) and what was tested: radial fatigue, cornering fatigue and impact. Check that the report covers the same design, size and load rating you are buying, and keep it with the batch records.
What a UK MOT tester looks for
The DVSA MOT inspection manual treats any fracture or welding defect on a wheel as a dangerous defect, a badly distorted wheel as a major defect, and a wheel and its fixings that are not compatible as a major defect. Supply the correct fixings, or state clearly which fixings the wheel needs, so customers do not reuse ones that do not match the seat.
Under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, a producer must not place an unsafe product on the market. Keep traceability: a cast or batch number on each wheel, the test reports and the inspection records.
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Inspection before shipment
At pre-shipment inspection, check the markings on the wheel (size, offset, PCD, load rating, batch), measure runout on a sample, check the centre bore and stud holes, look for porosity and paint defects, and check that the packaging protects the face. Keep the cast-aluminium invoice declaration with the shipping documents.
Cambridge China Bridge can check the factory, confirm the production process for the duty declaration and arrange the inspection; for repeat ranges see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What anti-dumping duty applies to alloy wheels from China?
22.3% on forged or multi-piece aluminium road wheels and machined parts. Cast wheels are at 0% if the invoice carries the signed cast-aluminium declaration and the entry uses additional code 8A26 with document code D008.
What happens if the invoice declaration is missing?
The trade remedies notice states that the 22.3% forged rate applies when the invoice or declaration is not provided.
Is there ordinary customs duty on car alloy wheels?
The third-country rate on 8708 70 50 50 is 4%, but the tariff checked on 26 October 2026 showed an autonomous suspension to 0% until 30 June 2027. Confirm it for your entry.