Sourcing aluminium roof lanterns from China
Aluminium roof lanterns within heading 7610 carry a standard UK duty of 6% across the listed forms; loose profiles can also attract anti-dumping duty. CE marking remains recognised for construction products in Great Britain. Match the supplied kit to its classification and performance evidence. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium roof lanterns.
Duty on roof lantern frames and kits
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7610 covers aluminium structures and structural parts, including roofs and roofing frameworks. The listed lines all carry 6% standard duty for goods from China. The table distinguishes loose profiles, joined subassemblies, finished goods kits and other structural parts; it does not assign every glazed lantern to the same code.
The supplied tariff data flags anti-dumping on 7610 90 90 10 without giving a rate. The published aluminium extrusions guide records producer-dependent duties and exemptions for structures, subassemblies and finished goods kits. No suspension or countervailing duty is recorded here. The heading's door-and-window line has a fluorinated greenhouse gas import control. Products containing banned fluorinated gases cannot be placed on the Great Britain market; ask your broker to confirm the control and declaration requirement if that line is proposed.
Give the broker drawings, photographs, a parts list and the condition at shipment, including whether cutting or drilling remains necessary. Use finding your commodity code before ordering. For the wider structural family, see aluminium curtain wall systems.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unassembled, unwelded aluminium profiles for lantern frames | 7610 90 90 10 | 6% | See the tariff |
| Aluminium lantern frame subassemblies joined with fasteners or welds | 7610 90 90 91 | 6% | None |
| Finished aluminium lantern kits requiring no further fabrication | 7610 90 90 92 | 6% | None |
| Other aluminium roof structures and structural parts | 7610 90 90 95 | 6% | None |
Specify the kerb, glazing and drainage together
State the roof opening, kerb outside dimensions, bearing surface, lantern pitch, ridge height and fixing arrangement on an approved drawing. Specify alloy, thermal breaks, finish colour, glazing build-up, pane sizes, gasket profiles and sealant compatibility. Agree whether glass, fixings, flashings and installation instructions are included.
Ask for performance evidence matching the complete lantern configuration, including thermal performance, wind and snow loading, water penetration and overhead glazing safety. Check which construction product standard or assessment covers the actual system with a competent adviser. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products in Great Britain. Arrange a trial assembly and water test before shipment; testing and certification support can help organise the evidence review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 large aluminium roof lantern kits under 7610 90 90 92, 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
Fit: measure frame diagonals, kerb contact surfaces, ridge joints and fixing positions against the approved drawing; assemble a sample with the supplied hardware.
Glazing: compare pane identification and build-up with the order; inspect edges, coatings, spacers and seals for chips, scratches and trapped contamination.
Weather sealing: check gasket continuity, corner joints, drainage outlets and glazing support blocks; inspect the agreed water-test results.
Packing: check pane separators, frame protection and crate restraints; identify each component by lantern and assembly position. Repeat damage and completeness checks on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A factory may work from the roof opening while the installer expects the kerb outside dimension, leaving the frame unable to seat properly. Misaligned ridge joints, interrupted gaskets and blocked drainage paths can cause leaks. A thermal figure for glass alone also gives the buyer an incomplete picture of the lantern.
A kit that still needs fabrication may not match the finished-goods-kit description. Reports may cover a different frame, glass build-up or size, while broken panes and missing corner connectors stop installation. Approve the complete configuration, witness assembly and record packing before dispatch.
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 roof lanterns from China?
The listed heading 7610 lines carry 6% standard duty. Loose unassembled profiles may also attract anti-dumping duty; the supplied tariff data flags it without a rate.
Can I use CE marking for roof lanterns in Great Britain?
Check that the product evidence and marking route cover the actual lantern configuration.
Should I import the lantern with glass included?
Compare a complete glazed kit with a frame-only supply. Agree pane sizes, glass build-up, packing, replacement arrangements and who checks compatibility before ordering.
What should I check when the lantern arrives?
Check glass edges and seals, frame dimensions, finish damage, gaskets, drainage paths and component completeness before releasing the kit to the installer.