Sourcing aluminium honeycomb cores from China
Aluminium honeycomb cores entered under 7616 99 90 99 normally attract 6% UK duty from China; qualifying aircraft-part honeycomb blocks may attract 0% under a suspension. Confirm classification and the suspension description before ordering. Specify cell geometry and bond performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium honeycomb cores.
Duty and the aircraft-block suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7616 covers other articles of aluminium. The relevant residual line is 7616 99 90 99, subject to confirmation for the supplied core. The table shows product forms against this same tariff line, rather than separate classifications. For related aluminium products, see the aluminium extrusions guide.
The supplied tariff record gives 6% duty for goods from China and records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on this line. A 0% suspension description includes honeycomb aluminium blocks of the type used in manufacturing aircraft parts. Other suspensions on the line concern different products. Do not assume ordinary panel cores qualify. The UK Trade Tariff also attaches torture-and-repression import and export controls; ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the actual goods.
Send the broker drawings, alloy details, supplied form and intended use. Confirm the commodity code and the complete suspension conditions before claiming relief. For the listed torture-equipment import control, the official notice sets out the banned goods in its annex; a tariff flag alone should prompt a goods-description check.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded aluminium honeycomb cores, subject to classification | 7616 99 90 99 | 6% | None |
Specify cell geometry and bonding performance
Specify alloy and temper, foil thickness, cell size, core thickness, density, sheet dimensions and tolerances. State whether the core arrives expanded or as a block for expansion. Agree the ribbon direction, cut shape, surface treatment and adhesive system. Keep an approved sample showing the required cell opening and edge condition.
Agree compression and shear test methods, loading direction, sample preparation and acceptance criteria with the panel designer. Request batch-linked material and bond-test records. Trial the core with your actual skins, adhesive and curing process before approving production.
If the intended sale is as a construction product, obtain advice on the applicable regulatory route before approving labels or claims. Government guidance advises manufacturers, importers and distributors to consider professional advice on their status and obligations. Arrange testing and certification support around the actual application.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 20 packs of expanded aluminium honeycomb core, without a suspension claim under 7616 99 90 99, 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
Geometry: measure core thickness and sheet dimensions; compare cell opening, ribbon direction and squareness with the approved drawing.
Material: match batch labels to material records; check foil condition, corrosion, contamination and the agreed surface treatment.
Bonding: inspect node joints for separation; review agreed compression and shear results and trial bonding to the intended skins.
Packing: check crushed edges, flattened cells and moisture damage on arrival; agree supported packing and inspection photographs through the quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
Uneven expansion distorts the cell geometry, weak node bonds open during handling, and unsupported packing crushes edges. A core that looks acceptable can still fail after bonding if its surface treatment, adhesive or curing conditions differ from the approved trial. Record defects by batch and compare retained samples.
A supplier may describe any honeycomb core as eligible for the aircraft-block suspension. Keep the commercial specification separate from the customs eligibility check, and ask the broker to review the actual suspension wording before the declaration.
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 honeycomb cores from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 6% under 7616 99 90 99. Qualifying aircraft-part honeycomb aluminium blocks may receive a 0% suspension. Confirm classification and eligibility with your broker.
Does every aluminium honeycomb core qualify for duty suspension?
Do not assume so. The recorded suspension specifically includes honeycomb aluminium blocks of the type used in manufacturing aircraft parts. Ask your broker to check the complete conditions.
Should I order expanded core or unexpanded blocks?
Choose around your expansion equipment, handling and panel process. Specify the supplied form and final cell geometry, and approve a production trial before ordering.
How do I check honeycomb core quality?
Check dimensions, cell opening, ribbon direction, node bonds and packing damage. Agree compression and shear tests, then trial the core with your intended skins and adhesive.