Sourcing aluminium balustrade systems from China
Aluminium balustrade systems from China carry 6% basic UK duty across the relevant lines; unassembled profiles can also attract anti-dumping duty. Match the supplied form to the commodity code and specify the complete guarding system for its intended building. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium balustrade systems.
Duty depends on how the balustrade is supplied
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 7610 covers aluminium structures and structural parts, including balustrades. The relevant lines distinguish unassembled profiles, joined subassemblies, finished goods kits and other structural parts. These are classification options, rather than interchangeable codes. For the wider heading, see aluminium windows.
The supplied tariff data shows 6% basic duty on each relevant line, no suspensions and no attached import controls. It flags anti-dumping on 7610 90 90 10 without giving a rate. The published extrusion guide records additional duties up to 35.1%, or 15.4% for non-sampled cooperating exporters, with exemptions for qualifying structures, subassemblies and finished goods kits. Have the broker check the actual product, producer and exemption before ordering.
Give the broker drawings, a packing list and details of all remaining fabrication; use finding your commodity code. Also check the final code against HMRC's published carbon border adjustment mechanism scope guidance when planning imports.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unassembled, non-welded aluminium profiles and tubes for balustrades | 7610 90 90 10 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Aluminium balustrade subassemblies joined by welding or fasteners | 7610 90 90 91 | 6% | None |
| Finished aluminium balustrade kits requiring assembly only | 7610 90 90 92 | 6% | None |
| Other aluminium balustrade structures and structural parts | 7610 90 90 95 | 6% | None |
Specify the posts, infill and anchorage together
Send a layout showing finished guarding height, post centres, corners, stair rake, infill openings and the supporting substrate. Specify alloy, temper, profile wall thickness, baseplates, fasteners, drainage and finish. Identify whether glass, anchors and handrails are included. Ask for calculations and test reports matching the proposed post spacing, infill and fixing arrangement.
For projects in England, Approved Document K gives guidance on guarding and protection from falling. Ask the project designer to agree the applicable guarding design before production. For supply in Great Britain, check whether a designated construction-product standard or technical assessment covers the system. Government guidance permits continued supply where the applicable EU requirements, including CE marking, are met. Confirm the appropriate conformity evidence through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative project batch of complete balcony balustrade kits under 7610 90 90 92, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £63,000. Duty at 6% is £3,780. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £66,780, so it is £13,356. Import taxes total £17,136; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,780 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure post lengths, wall thickness, baseplate geometry, hole positions and infill openings against the approved drawings; trial-assemble a corner and a stair connection.
Connections: check welds, threads, bracket fit, fastener identity and anchor compatibility with the specified substrate; compare the delivered arrangement with the calculations and test reports.
Finish: compare colour and texture with the approved sample, measure coating thickness against the specification and inspect cut ends, drainage paths and contact surfaces.
Packing and records: check component quantities, bundle identification, protected finishes, assembly instructions and reports against the order. Repeat these checks on arrival; plan quality inspection before shipment.
What goes wrong
A sample rail fits, but production baseplates have misplaced holes or thinner walls. Stair brackets cannot achieve the drawing's angle, corners leave unexpected openings, or glass clamps do not match the ordered infill. Approve an assembled sample with the actual connections and record any substitutions.
A supplier's report can describe a different post spacing or anchorage from the delivered system. Ask the designer to review that mismatch before installation. Separately, describing unfinished profiles as a finished kit can create a duty dispute; agree the fabrication state and customs description before packing.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on aluminium balustrades from China?
The relevant heading 7610 lines carry 6% basic duty. Unassembled profiles under 7610 90 90 10 also have an anti-dumping flag; the supplied tariff data does not state its rate.
Do aluminium balustrades need UKCA marking?
Check the applicable standard or technical assessment first. Government guidance allows continued supply in Great Britain where the applicable EU requirements, including CE marking, are met.
What drawings should I send the factory?
Send layouts and sections showing guarding height, post spacing, infill, stair angles, baseplates, holes, anchors and substrate. Specify alloy, temper and finish, and identify every included component.
Can I rely on the factory's balustrade test report?
Check that it describes the supplied profiles, spacing, infill, connections and anchorage. Ask the project designer to review differences before accepting the system.