Sourcing aluminium moka pots from China

UK duty on aluminium stovetop espresso makers

Heading 7615 covers aluminium kitchen and household articles and their parts. For aluminium stovetop espresso makers, the relevant candidates are the cast line and the other aluminium kitchenware line. The table separates complete makers and aluminium replacement parts within those lines; it does not imply separate tariff codes for each product.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, both relevant lines carried 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the manufacturing method and materials of the actual product before choosing its commodity code. Check separately supplied seals, handles and valves individually rather than assuming they share the aluminium body code. See the aluminium cookware guide for the wider heading.

Specify the boiler, seal and safety valve

Specify the aluminium alloy, wall and base thickness, usable water capacity, filter basket fit, thread geometry, gasket material and replacement seal dimensions. Agree the safety valve design and its test method with the factory. Describe capacity by measured volume as well as the supplier's cup description.

Ask for food contact evidence for the finished maker, including the aluminium, gasket and any internal coating. Confirm applicable food-contact requirements with the relevant authority, including how to assess constituent transfer. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety; confirm the applicable Great Britain product safety requirements with the relevant authority.

Agree which hobs the maker is intended for, then test on those hobs. For induction models, specify the bonded base and check heating performance. Approve instructions covering filling, assembly, heating, cooling before opening and cleaning, together with a sample carrying the proposed packaging.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 cast aluminium stovetop espresso makers, illustrative only under 7615 10 10 90, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,600. Duty at 6% is £456. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,056, so it is £1,611.20. Import taxes total £2,067.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £456 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Body and threads: inspect castings for cracks, pores and sharp edges; check base flatness and that the chambers screw together smoothly without cross-threading.

Seal and valve: compare gasket material and fit with the approved sample; check valve installation and obtain the agreed valve test results. Run brewing tests and inspect the joint for leaks.

Handle and lid: check fixing strength, lid movement and handle clearance from the heat source; assess grip temperature during the agreed brewing test.

Food contact and packing: match finished-product test reports to the supplied materials and coating; check cleanliness, filter fit, instructions and transit damage. Record findings at inspection.

What goes wrong

Rough threads and poorly matched seals can cause leaks at the chamber joint. Casting defects, loose handles and a badly fitted valve are reasons to hold the batch for investigation. A brew test alone does not establish that the safety valve works.

An induction claim can fail when the base does not heat on the buyer's hob. Cup descriptions can also hide differences in usable capacity. Approve a measured specification and retain a sample, then compare production and arrival samples against it.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.