Sourcing aluminium stair nosings from China
The candidate heading 7616 lines for aluminium stair nosings carry 6% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm classification and the applicable construction-product marking route before sale, and specify grip inserts and fixing details. Cambridge China Bridge sources aluminium stair nosings.
UK duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7616 covers other articles of aluminium. The table distinguishes finished, cast and hand-made nosings, plus separately imported aluminium fixings. These are candidate classifications, not a ruling for every profile. Give your broker the section drawing, manufacturing process and details of any fitted insert.
The listed lines carry 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Suspensions on the cast and other-article lines cover specified products such as engine brackets, vehicle guide rails and aircraft components; the supplied descriptions do not cover stair nosings. The tariff attaches torture-goods import prohibition and export restriction controls to the hand-made and other-article lines. Confirm the applicable declaration requirement with your customs broker.
Confirm the complete product using finding your commodity code. For the wider product family, see aluminium extrusions. Do not select a code solely because the supplier describes the item as an extrusion.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished aluminium stair nosings, other than cast or hand-made | 7616 99 90 99 | 6% | None |
| Cast aluminium stair nosings | 7616 99 10 99 | 6% | None |
| Hand-made aluminium stair nosings, subject to classification confirmation | 7616 99 90 09 | 6% | None |
| Separate aluminium fixing screws and washers for stair nosings | 7616 10 00 99 | 6% | None |
Profile fit, grip inserts and fixing
Specify tread width, riser lip, section thickness, edge shape, cut length and tolerances on a drawing. Identify the stair substrate and floor covering, indoor or outdoor use, alloy, finish, insert material, colour and replacement method. Agree whether holes, countersinks, screws, adhesive and end caps are included.
Ask for slip-resistance evidence for the actual insert and intended wet or dry conditions. Fit a sample to the intended stair assembly and check that the lip sits flush, the insert remains seated and screw heads do not project. Agree cleaning compatibility and how replacement inserts will be supplied. For industrial walkway projects, see our aluminium industrial grating sourcing guide.
Before selling in Great Britain, establish the applicable construction-product assessment and marking route for the exact product. Government guidance confirms that CE marking remains available for construction products in Great Britain. Ask the supplier to identify the basis for any marking and provide the supporting performance documents; a logo alone is insufficient purchasing evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 cut-to-length aluminium stair nosings under 7616 99 90 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 the section, cut length, straightness and fixing-hole positions with the approved drawing; trial-fit pieces to the intended floor covering.
Grip insert: check seating, retention, colour consistency and replacement fit; match test reports to the supplied insert material and surface.
Finish and edges: inspect anodised or coated surfaces for scratches and patchiness, and cut ends and countersinks for burrs.
Packing and identification: check quantities, profile references, insert references and installation instructions; protect long sections against bending and keep finished faces apart during inspection.
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What goes wrong
A profile that looks correct in a catalogue can leave a raised edge when fitted over the buyer's floor covering. Misplaced holes or shallow countersinks leave projecting screw heads. Inserts can lift at the ends, loosen during cleaning or arrive in visibly different shades.
Long sections can arrive bowed, while unprotected anodised faces rub together in transit. Approve an assembled sample, retain the drawing and insert reference, and inspect both loose pieces and a fitted assembly before releasing shipment.
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 stair nosings from China?
The candidate heading 7616 lines carry 6% duty. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded in the supplied tariff extract. Confirm the code for the complete nosing.
Do aluminium stair nosings need CE marking?
Establish the applicable assessment and marking route for the exact product.
How do I check an anti-slip insert?
Match slip-resistance reports to the actual material and surface, then check seating, retention and cleaning compatibility on a fitted sample under the intended conditions.
Can I order nosings already cut and drilled?
Yes, specify cut lengths, hole positions, countersinks and the floor-covering detail on the approved drawing. Trial-fit a sample before approving production.