Sourcing fibre cement slates from China

Duty and classification for roofing slates

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6811 covers articles of asbestos-cement, cellulose fibre-cement or similar materials. Asbestos-free fibre cement roofing slates fall within other sheets, panels, tiles and similar articles under 6811 82 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing this tariff line.

The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. This does not remove product requirements. Confirm with the relevant authority the UK REACH restrictions on placing articles containing intentionally added asbestos on the market in Great Britain.

Confirm the composition and product form with your broker using our commodity code guide. For corrugated products and the wider family, see fibre cement roof sheets.

Slate dimensions, fixing holes and performance

Specify length, width, thickness, edge profile, surface texture, colour and coating. Agree fixing-hole positions and diameters against the intended fixing system, and have the roof designer confirm suitability for the intended roof. Approve a physical sample and a drawing before production.

The published fibre cement guide identifies BS EN 492 for slates; confirm with the relevant authority whether a declaration of performance and CE or UKCA marking are required for the supplied product. CE marking continues to be available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Request the declaration and supporting reports for the actual slate type, including its strength and fire performance.

Write an asbestos-free requirement into the purchase specification. Arrange batch-linked asbestos testing before shipment, and agree flat pallet packing, edge protection and identification that lets you match delivered slates to the reports.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative palletised order of asbestos-free fibre cement roofing slates under 6811 82 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. 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

Dimensions: compare sampled slates with the approved drawing; check thickness, squareness, flatness and fixing-hole positions.

Edges and holes: check for chips, cracks and damage around holes before accepting pallets.

Finish: compare colour and texture with the approved sample; inspect coating adhesion, blistering and visible staining.

Documents: match batch identification to asbestos reports, the declaration of performance and product marking. Use our quality inspection guide to agree the inspection scope.

What goes wrong

Poor curing or conditioning can leave slates warped or prone to cracking at fixings. Incorrect hole positions cause fitting problems, while mixed colour batches, coating failure and efflorescence spoil the finished roof. Compare production samples with the approved slate before packing.

Pallet pressure and unsupported edges can turn sound slates into chipped or cracked stock. Photograph damage on arrival and separate suspect pallets. A supplier declaration alone is weak evidence of asbestos-free composition; agree laboratory testing before 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.