Sourcing aluminium compression fittings from China
Aluminium compression pipe fittings from China carry 4% UK duty across the supplied tariff lines, with no listed trade remedies. Match the tube, ferrule and seal as a system; pressure-system applications may need pressure equipment evidence. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium compression pipe fittings.
UK duty on aluminium compression pipe fittings
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7609 covers aluminium tube or pipe fittings. Ordinary aluminium compression couplings, elbows, tees and reducers generally sit within the residual line 7609 00 00 90. The table shows different fitting shapes within that same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes.
Every line in the supplied tariff extract carries 4% duty for goods from China. The extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or import controls. Its specialised automotive component descriptions should not be used simply because a compression fitting is intended for a vehicle.
Confirm the material, construction and intended use through finding your commodity code. For other connection methods and specialised connection blocks, see the aluminium pipe fittings guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium compression straight couplings | 7609 00 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the tube, ferrule and seal together
Specify tube outside diameter, wall thickness, material and tolerance alongside the fitting drawing. Identify the body alloy and temper, nut and ferrule materials, sealing arrangement, insertion depth and assembly instructions. Agree whether the joint is intended to be dismantled and whether seals or ferrules need replacement afterwards.
State the fluid, working pressure, temperature range, coating and any threaded connection. Agree a test method using the actual mating tube. Fittings used in pressure piping may fall under the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, depending on fluid, pressure and size. Agree applicable conformity evidence with the system designer; a batch leak test alone does not establish it.
Official guidance includes piping within pressure equipment. Review the intended application before approving the sample, rather than treating every compression fitting as having the same compliance position.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 8,000 aluminium compression pipe fittings under 7609 00 00 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 4% is £1,008. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,208, so it is £5,241.60. Import taxes total £6,249.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,008 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Tube fit: measure the bore, tube stop and ferrule seat against the drawing; assemble samples using the buyer's specified tube.
Nut and ferrule: check threads, seating surfaces and component completeness; confirm the assembly follows the agreed instructions without damaged threads.
Leaks and retention: test assembled samples to the agreed pressure procedure and check leakage and tube movement against the acceptance criteria.
Finish and records: check burrs, seal damage and coating coverage; match material certificates and test reports to the delivered batches. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A fitting can look correct yet leak because its ferrule or seal does not suit the tube tolerance. A substituted softer body alloy can strip at the nut thread, while burrs damage seals during insertion. Mixing components from different fitting designs can also change how the joint grips and seals.
Approve an assembled sample with your own tube and retain its drawing, components and assembly instructions as the purchase specification. On arrival, compare the delivered components with that sample and keep suspect batches separate while investigating.
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 aluminium compression pipe fittings from China?
The supplied tariff extract shows 4% duty. Ordinary aluminium compression pipe fittings generally use 7609 00 00 90, subject to confirming the product's classification.
Is there anti-dumping duty on these fittings?
The supplied tariff extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty for heading 7609.
Do aluminium compression fittings need pressure equipment evidence?
They may do when used in pressure piping, depending on fluid, pressure and size. Agree the applicable evidence with the system designer before ordering.
How do I check that the fitting suits my tube?
Specify tube diameter, wall, material and tolerances. Assemble samples with your actual tube, then check sealing and retention using an agreed test procedure.