Sourcing curtain wall systems from China
Aluminium curtain wall systems within heading 7610 carry 6% ordinary UK duty across the supplied lines; unassembled profiles may also attract anti-dumping duty. CE marking remains available for construction products sold in Great Britain. Match performance evidence to the ordered system. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium curtain wall systems.
Duty depends on the condition of the shipment
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 7610 covers aluminium structures, structural parts and profiles prepared for structural use. For curtain walls, distinguish unassembled profiles, joined frame subassemblies and complete finished goods kits. These are possible classifications, not interchangeable descriptions. The wider heading is covered in our aluminium windows guide.
The supplied lines carry 6% ordinary duty on goods from China and show no suspensions. The unassembled-profile line has an anti-dumping measure without a rate in the supplied extract. The published extrusion guide records producer-dependent rates and exemptions for structures, subassemblies and finished goods kits. Check the actual goods and producer before claiming an exemption. The door and window line also has a fluorinated greenhouse gas import control attached; confirm its relevance and required declaration with your customs broker.
Give the broker drawings, photographs, a packing list and a description of assembly and remaining fabrication. Confirm the code using finding your commodity code before ordering. Do not classify every curtain wall shipment as windows merely because it contains glazing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unassembled, non-welded aluminium profiles and tubes for structures | 7610 90 90 10 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Aluminium curtain wall frame subassemblies joined by welding or fasteners | 7610 90 90 91 | 6% | None |
| Finished aluminium structural kits requiring no further fabrication | 7610 90 90 92 | 6% | None |
| Other aluminium structural parts, subject to classification | 7610 90 90 95 | 6% | None |
Specify the complete curtain wall system
State whether the order is a site-assembled framing system or factory-glazed units. Agree elevation drawings, opening sizes, mullion and transom sections, alloy and temper, thermal breaks, glazing build-up, gaskets, sealants, drainage routes, brackets and fixings. Identify who supplies glass, anchors and perimeter interfaces, and who approves the connection to the building.
Ask the project designer to define wind resistance, air leakage, water penetration, thermal and fire performance for the intended installation. Request performance declarations and test reports matching the proposed system, glazing and connections. CE marking continues to be available when placing construction products on the Great Britain market. Use testing and certification support to review the evidence before production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: fabricated curtain wall frame subassemblies for a small commercial façade under 7610 90 90 91, 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
Frames: measure critical section dimensions, wall thickness, straightness, diagonals, bracket positions and joint fit against approved drawings.
Seals and drainage: check gasket continuity, corner seals, drainage openings and thermal breaks; trial-assemble representative joints.
Glazing and finish: compare glass identification, edge condition, coating colour and surface condition with approved samples and the glazing schedule.
Packing and arrival: match unit labels to elevation drawings and the packing list; inspect glass edges, frame corners and transport supports for damage before installation.
What goes wrong
A tested sample can differ from production when the factory substitutes gaskets, glass, sealant or profile sections. Frame joints may fit while drainage paths are blocked, and bracket holes may miss the building interface. Freeze the approved component schedule and require review of substitutions before manufacture.
Poor packing scratches coatings, distorts frames and damages glass edges. Mixed unit labels delay installation and make replacement parts difficult to identify. Agree protective separators, lifting points and an arrival check through quality inspection.
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 curtain wall systems from China?
The supplied heading 7610 lines carry 6% ordinary duty. Unassembled profiles also have an anti-dumping measure; its rate is absent from the supplied extract, so confirm the producer and applicable rate.
Are curtain wall frames classified as aluminium windows?
Do not assume so. Classification depends on the goods as shipped, including whether they are unassembled profiles, joined subassemblies or complete finished kits. Give your broker drawings and the fabrication details.
Can CE-marked curtain wall systems be sold in Great Britain?
CE marking continues to be available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Ask for performance evidence matching the actual system, glazing and intended installation.
What should I check when curtain wall units arrive?
Check unit labels, quantities, frame dimensions, glass edges, coatings, gaskets, drainage openings and brackets against approved drawings. Record transport damage before installation.