Sourcing aluminosilicate float glass from China

Duty depends on the supplied sheet

Heading 7005 covers float glass and surface-ground or polished glass in sheets, with or without an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked. For aluminosilicate sheets, identify thickness, coating, body tint and processing condition. The material name alone does not select the commodity code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, all supplied heading 7005 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This is the tariff position for the recorded lines, rather than confirmation of suitability for a particular application.

Confirm the commodity code against the actual sheets and their processing history. Toughened or laminated safety glass falls under heading 7007. For wider heading context, see the borosilicate float glass sheet guide.

Specify composition and processing condition

Specify the aluminosilicate composition or agreed material grade, supported by a batch composition report. Record sheet dimensions, thickness tolerance, flatness, optical distortion and acceptable bubbles, inclusions and scratches. Define coating type and coated face. Ask whether the sheets are supplied annealed, chemically strengthened or thermally toughened, and obtain evidence for any strength or thermal-performance claim.

For building use, confirm the applicable construction-product standard, declaration of performance and marking route before ordering. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Agree application-specific testing through testing and certification, with reports identifying the material and supplied condition.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of crated clear, uncoated aluminosilicate float glass sheets exceeding 4.5 mm, for a glass processor under 7005 29 80 00, invoiced at £11,000 free on board, with £3,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £14,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,200, so it is £2,840. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Material identity: match batch labels and composition reports to the approved aluminosilicate grade; check that the processing condition matches the order.

Geometry: measure thickness and sheet dimensions, inspect edge chips, and assess flatness against the agreed drawing and measurement method.

Optical surface: inspect scratches, bubbles, inclusions and distortion under agreed lighting; identify the coated face and compare coating appearance with the approved sample.

Packing and arrival: check crate movement, supports, interleaving and moisture protection before dispatch; photograph damaged packs and inspect sheets for cracks, staining or sticking on arrival.

What goes wrong

A supplier may describe glass as aluminosilicate without documenting its composition, or quote performance achieved only after strengthening. A generic float-glass report does not establish the ordered material's performance. Keep composition, supplied condition and test specimen identity together in the purchase specification.

Edge chips can cause losses during subsequent processing. Scratches, optical distortion and coating damage may become apparent only after assembly. Damp stacks can stain or stick together, while inadequate supports allow sheets to crack in transit. Agree rejection criteria and inspect before loading.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.