Sourcing aluminised steel sheet from China

Duty depends on coating and steel chemistry

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7210 covers coated flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel of a width of 600 mm or more. This guide focuses on aluminium-coated sheet. The table includes an aluminium-zinc comparator because its coating belongs to a separate tariff branch. See the wider coated steel guide for other coatings.

The supplied snapshot records 50% third-country duty for every listed aluminium-coated line. Codes 7210 69 00 20 and 7210 69 00 30 also show 27.90% residual anti-dumping duty; 7210 69 00 80 shows none. These lines show no suspensions, attached import controls or separate steel measure. The older wider guide describes a different quota structure: confirm the live position before shipment rather than assuming quota relief.

Confirm the commodity code using the coating composition, substrate chemistry and processing history. Ask your broker to check any producer-specific anti-dumping rate and its invoice conditions. Confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker whether these steel products will fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism for your planned imports; request supplier emissions data when planning future imports.

Specify the aluminium coating and fabrication use

State whether the coating is aluminium, aluminium-silicon or aluminium-zinc, and ask the mill to document its composition. Agree substrate grade, thickness and width tolerances, coating mass per side, surface finish, passivation and oiling. Describe the intended forming, welding and heat exposure, then approve a sample using your own fabrication process.

Specify cut lengths, flatness, edge condition and moisture-resistant packing. Match the mill certificate to each bundle or coil. For imports from China, be prepared to provide supply-chain documentation consistent with UK iron and steel sanctions. Request records linking the substrate mill, coating mill and delivered material before committing to the order.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of aluminised steel sheet for a fabricator; illustrative FOB value and freight under 7210 69 00 80, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 50% is £16,250. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £48,750, so it is £9,750. Import taxes total £26,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £16,250 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match bundle and coil markings to the mill certificate, purchase order, substrate grade and coating composition.

Dimensions: measure sheet thickness, width and cut length; check flatness, burrs and damaged edges against the agreed tolerances.

Coating: check coating mass evidence and inspect for bare patches, scratches, flaking and moisture staining; trial the agreed bend or forming operation.

Packing: check wrapping, straps and bundle supports for damage or water entry, and photograph defects before unpacking. Use an agreed inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A quotation says only 'aluminised', while the certificate describes a different coating or substrate chemistry. That leaves both fabrication performance and the anti-dumping position unresolved. Require the actual mill documents before approving classification, and investigate any mismatch between sample, certificate and shipment.

Thin coating, damaged edges, poor flatness or damp packing can make sheet unsuitable for the intended process. Agree acceptance criteria and retain an approved sample. Separate evidence of coating composition from evidence that the material performs in your finished component.

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.