Sourcing aluminium H-section profiles from China
Aluminium H-section profiles from China carry 6% ordinary UK duty; a narrow hollow-profile suspension can reduce this to 0%. In-scope extrusions also attract producer-dependent anti-dumping duty. Classify the actual cross-section and check the producer before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium H-section profiles.
Duty on aluminium H-section profiles
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7604 covers aluminium bars, rods and profiles. The listed profile lines carry 6% ordinary duty for goods from China. An open alloy H-section belongs among other profiles; a variant with an enclosed chamber needs the hollow-profile line considered. The supplied tariff record lists no attached import controls for these lines.
The tariff extract leaves anti-dumping rates blank, which does not establish exemption. The published extrusion guide and official notice identify a separate measure: in-scope Chinese extrusions attract 35.1% residual duty, 15.4% for listed non-sampled cooperating exporters, or individual producer rates. Extrusions over 14 kg per metre or with a maximum cross-sectional dimension over 310 mm are excluded. Check the producer, scope and required invoice declaration before shipment.
The hollow-profile line has a 0% suspension restricted to specified thin-walled, anodised board-frame profiles. An ordinary open H-section does not meet that description; a suspension does not remove anti-dumping duty. Confirm the drawing and fabrication using finding your commodity code. For wider heading coverage, see aluminium T-section bars.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open H-section profiles of aluminium alloys | 7604 29 90 90 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Unassembled non-alloy H-section profiles, aluminium content not above 99.3% | 7604 10 90 80 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Other non-alloy aluminium H-section profiles | 7604 10 90 89 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Aluminium-alloy H-shaped profiles with an enclosed hollow chamber | 7604 21 00 00 | 6% | See the tariff |
Specify the flanges, web and mating fit
Provide a cross-section drawing showing overall depth, flange width, web and flange thickness, corner radii and any panel-receiving gaps. Mark the surfaces that locate adjoining parts. Specify alloy, temper, cut length, straightness, twist and cut-end squareness, with agreed tolerances. Approve a sample fitted to the actual panel, bracket or adjoining extrusion.
State whether the profile is mill-finished, anodised or powder-coated. Agree finish thickness, colour, visible faces and acceptable die lines. Request batch-linked material certificates and protect flange edges with interleaving and end protection. Use quality inspection to check production lengths against the drawing.
For structural applications, agree the intended use and review the applicable construction-product route through testing and certification. Construction products with legitimately affixed CE marking can continue to be supplied in Great Britain. Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether heading 7604 is within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism from 1 January 2027; request supplier emissions data when planning affected imports.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of cut-to-length open aluminium-alloy H-section profiles under 7604 29 90 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 6% is £312. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,512, so it is £1,102.40. Import taxes total £1,414.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £312 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Section geometry: measure flange width, web position, thickness and panel gaps against the approved drawing; trial-fit the mating parts.
Length and alignment: check cut length, end squareness, straightness and twist on unpacked production lengths.
Material and finish: match batch certificates to the specified alloy and temper; check hardness, coating thickness, colour and surface damage.
Arrival and traceability: inspect flange edges, burrs, wet wrapping and bundle labels; keep each batch linked to its certificates and producer.
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What goes wrong
A sample fits but production does not because flange thickness, corner radii or panel gaps drift. Long profiles bow or twist, cut ends are out of square, and coating build-up narrows the receiving gap. Check the finished profile with the actual mating parts, rather than approving an unfinished cross-section alone.
A supplier describes an open section as hollow, or a trading company's invoice obscures the producer used for the anti-dumping rate. Missing the required invoice declaration makes the residual amount applicable. Agree classification and producer documents before dispatch, and photograph damaged bundles before separating the profiles.
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 H-sections from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 6% ordinary duty on the relevant profile lines. A narrow hollow-profile suspension is 0%. Separate anti-dumping duty may apply, so 6% is not necessarily the total duty.
Is an aluminium H-section a hollow profile?
An ordinary open H-section has no enclosed chamber. A modified H-shaped extrusion can contain one. Send the actual cross-section drawing to your customs broker rather than relying on the supplier's product name.
Do aluminium H-sections from China have anti-dumping duty?
In-scope extrusions do: 35.1% residual, 15.4% for listed non-sampled cooperating exporters, or individual producer rates. Check exclusions and the required invoice declaration before ordering.
What should I check before accepting aluminium H-section profiles?
Check flange and web dimensions, mating fit, straightness, twist, cut-end squareness and burrs. Match material certificates to the batch and inspect the finished surfaces and protected edges.