Sourcing aluminium tanks and vats from China
Aluminium reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers of more than 300 litres from China, for storing liquids and solids other than compressed or liquefied gas, pay 6% UK duty under the single code 7611 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. The heading is in scope of UK CBAM from 1 January 2027, and tanks for food or drink are food contact materials.
6% duty and CBAM
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7611 covers aluminium reservoirs, tanks, vats and similar containers, for any material other than compressed or liquefied gas, of a capacity exceeding 300 litres, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, but not fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment. It is a single code carrying 6% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Heading 7611 falls within the 7603 to 7614 range on the GOV.UK list of aluminium goods in scope of UK CBAM from 1 January 2027, so importers over the threshold must register and keep records; see our UK CBAM guide. Steel tanks are covered in our steel tanks guide; tanks fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment are classified as machinery, so confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium reservoirs, tanks and vats over 300 litres | 7611 00 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specifying aluminium tanks
Specify capacity, alloy and plate thickness, weld procedure and inspection, fittings and manways, lining or insulation, surface finish, and leak testing. Tanks for water, drinks or food are food contact materials under the retained Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, so ask for the declaration of compliance covering the alloy, welds and any lining. Ask for the aluminium's embedded emissions data now, ready for CBAM reporting.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 10 aluminium 5,000-litre storage tanks under 7611 00 00 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £43,000. Duty at 6% is £2,580. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £45,580, so it is £9,116. Import taxes total £11,696; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,580 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Welds: inspect welds and ask for weld records and dye penetrant or other test results.
Leak test: witness a leak test.
Finish and fittings: check internal finish, fittings and cleanliness. See our quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
Aluminium tank orders fail on welding, alloy and documents. Welds leak or crack, a lower alloy is used, food contact documents are missing, and from 2027 CBAM records are not kept.
Cambridge China Bridge helps UK buyers source fabricated tanks with weld inspection and documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on aluminium tanks from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, aluminium tanks over 300 litres under 7611 00 00 00 carried 6% from China.
Are aluminium tanks in scope of UK CBAM?
Yes. Heading 7611 is within the GOV.UK aluminium CBAM list from 1 January 2027.
Are tanks for compressed gas in heading 7611?
No. Heading 7611 excludes containers for compressed or liquefied gas.
Do tanks for drinks need food contact documents?
Yes. Ask for a declaration of compliance covering the alloy, welds and any lining.