Sourcing aluminium rivets from China
Aluminium rivets from China carry 6% UK duty on the relevant tariff line, with no trade remedy recorded. Consumer-use rivets must be safe for their intended use. Specify the body alloy, grip range and mandrel material, then test them in the intended joint. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium rivets.
UK duty on aluminium rivets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7616 covers other articles of aluminium. Its fastener branch includes rivets. The relevant ordinary rivet line is 7616 10 00 99. The table shows purchasing variants within that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied tariff record shows 6% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Suspensions and controls recorded for other branches of the heading should not be transferred to this rivet line.
Confirm classification against the complete product specification, especially for blind rivets with a different mandrel material. Use finding your commodity code. For other articles within the wider heading, see aluminium equipment enclosures.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid aluminium rivets | 7616 10 00 99 | 6% | None |
Body alloy, grip range and setting method
Specify solid, semi-tubular or blind construction; body alloy and temper; shank diameter and length; head shape and dimensions; finish; and dimensional tolerances. For blind rivets, add mandrel material, grip range, open or closed end, and the required condition of the retained mandrel after setting.
Approve samples using the intended tool, hole size and material stack. Agree joint shear and tensile acceptance criteria with your engineer. A rivet that looks correct loose can split, pull through or leave a loose joint when installed.
For rivets supplied for consumer use, the general product safety rules provide a safety baseline where applicable. Keep records identifying the supplier so the goods can be traced. For construction applications, ask a compliance adviser to check the proposed use before agreeing any marking or certification claims.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: cartons of solid aluminium rivets for a small assembly business; illustrative FOB value and freight under 7616 10 00 99, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,200. Duty at 6% is £192. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,392, so it is £678.40. Import taxes total £870.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £192 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: compare shank diameter, length, head profile and blind-rivet grip range with the approved drawing.
Material: match body alloy, temper and mandrel material to the agreed specification and batch material records.
Setting: install samples in the intended joint; check head seating, joint tightness, mandrel break position and visible cracking.
Packing: check labelled variants, carton quantities and batch identification; look for mixed sizes, burrs and moisture staining. Agree sampling through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
Wrong grip range leaves the joint loose or prevents proper formation of the blind head. An unsuitable body temper can cause cracking or poor deformation. The wrong mandrel or incompatible tool nosepiece can produce irregular breaks and protruding stems.
Mixed lengths and similar-looking head styles can reach assembly unnoticed. Keep variants separated and test samples from incoming cartons before releasing the batch. For outdoor or damp service, review the rivet and joined materials together for corrosion compatibility.
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 rivets from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% on 7616 10 00 99, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.
Can aluminium blind rivets have steel mandrels?
Yes. Specify body and mandrel materials separately, then confirm classification for the complete rivet rather than relying on its aluminium description.
How do I choose the rivet grip range?
Match the supplier's declared grip range to the complete material stack. Verify the setting result using your intended hole size and tool.
What should I test before accepting a rivet batch?
Check dimensions and material records, then set samples in the intended joint. Assess seating, tightness, cracking and mandrel break position against agreed acceptance criteria.