Sourcing alumina wear liners from China
Alumina ceramic wear liners from China carry 4% UK duty across the relevant technical ceramic lines. The suspension for specified spherical alumina balls does not cover liners. Confirm classification against material, hardness and construction before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources alumina ceramic wear liners.
UK duty on alumina ceramic wear liners
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 6909 covers laboratory, chemical and other technical ceramic wares, alongside specified agricultural and packing containers. Alumina wear liners belong to the technical ceramic family. The table repeats relevant codes for different liner forms; these are product examples, not separate tariff subdivisions.
The relevant lines carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The suspension under 6909 12 00 00 is restricted to specified spherical alumina balls; the suspension under 6909 19 00 90 concerns specified ceramic-carbon cartridges. Neither description covers alumina wear liners. The recorded cultural-object licence and waste export controls concern exports.
The tariff attaches an import waste control. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For discarded or scrap liners from China, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before shipment. Confirm the commodity code using composition, hardness and the complete supplied construction, especially for backed assemblies. See the wider technical ceramics guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumina wear liner tiles with Mohs hardness of 9 or more | 6909 12 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other alumina technical ceramic wear tiles, subject to classification | 6909 19 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the liner and its fixing system
State alumina content, density, hardness, porosity and the agreed wear-test method. Describe the conveyed material, abrasion and impact conditions, operating temperature and chemical exposure. Specify tile thickness, curvature, joint layout, edge profile and fixing holes against an approved drawing. Identify whether the order is bare ceramic, bonded tiles or a backed assembly.
Agree the substrate, adhesive or mechanical fixing, surface preparation and installation instructions. Trial the liner in the intended chute, hopper or pipe before approving production. HSE guidance says workplace articles must be safe so far as reasonably practicable and accompanied by relevant safe-use information, testing or examination. Ask for handling, fitting and service-limit information alongside batch results.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of alumina ceramic wear liners under 6909 12 00 00, invoiced at £16,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 4% is £700. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,200, so it is £3,640. Import taxes total £4,340; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £700 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material: compare batch composition, density and hardness results with the agreed specification; independently check samples where material substitution would affect service.
Fit: measure thickness, curvature, holes and mating edges against the drawing; trial adjacent pieces and check the intended joint clearance.
Condition and fixing: inspect for cracks, chips and surface defects; check backing condition and agreed bond or fixing tests where supplied as an assembly.
Packing: check individual separation, cushioning and restraint against movement; reconcile part identifiers and batch labels with the packing list. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
A matching alumina percentage does not establish equivalent wear performance. Variable density, porosity or firing quality can produce uneven wear. Incorrect curvature leaves gaps, while poor bonding or unsuitable fixing can allow tiles to detach. Impact can break a liner selected only for abrasion resistance.
Record acceptance criteria for material, fit and fixing before production. Keep approved samples and batch records, and inspect arrival damage before installation. Photograph chipped edges and damaged packing so transport damage can be distinguished from manufacturing defects.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on alumina wear liners from China?
The relevant technical ceramic lines carry 4% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded in the supplied tariff data.
Do alumina wear liners qualify for the alumina duty suspension?
The suspension under 6909 12 00 00 covers specified spherical alumina balls, not wear liners. Do not apply it merely because the liner contains alumina.
Which commodity code should I use for ceramic wear liners?
Check 6909 12 00 00 for articles with Mohs hardness of 9 or more. Other technical ceramic liners may fall under 6909 19 00 90. Confirm classification for the supplied construction.
What should I ask the factory to test?
Ask for batch composition, density, hardness and agreed wear testing. Check dimensions and cracks, and test the bond or fixing where the factory supplies an assembled liner.