Sourcing battery carbon rods from China
Battery carbon rods from China carry 0% UK duty under the residual carbon electrical articles line, subject to classification. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles, so assess the rod's composition and intended use before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources battery carbon rods.
Battery carbon rods: 0% UK duty
Heading 8545 covers carbon electrodes, brushes, lamp carbons, battery carbons and other graphite or carbon articles for electrical purposes, with or without metal. For finished battery carbon rods, the residual line 8545 90 90 99 is the starting point for classification. The table shows buying variants against that same tariff line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, material composition, any metal fittings and the intended battery application. For the other products covered by this heading, see graphite electrodes and carbon brushes.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain battery carbon rods | 8545 90 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify the rod and its battery contact
State the intended cell construction and supply a controlled drawing showing diameter, length, straightness, end profile and contact-cap fit. Specify the carbon grade, electrical resistivity, strength, ash content and any impregnation or surface treatment. Agree how the factory measures each property and retain an approved sample.
UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles. Obtain the material composition, including binders, treatments and metal caps, and assess the applicable obligations before supplying the rods in Great Britain. Do not treat a tariff duty rate as evidence of chemical compliance.
Agree a trial in the buyer's actual cell assembly, checking insertion, sealing and electrical contact. Record the acceptance criteria before bulk production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of battery carbon rods for a pilot production batch under 8545 90 90 99, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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: check diameter, length, straightness and end profile against the drawing, then trial-fit rods and caps in the intended assembly.
Material: compare batch test results with the agreed grade, resistivity, strength and ash specification; investigate substitutions or unexplained changes.
Condition: inspect for cracks, chipped ends, loose caps, surface contamination and excessive loose carbon dust.
Packing: check separators prevent rods rubbing or bending, cartons remain dry, and batch labels match the inspection records. Use the quality inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A rod can match the nominal size yet fail during insertion because it is bowed or its end profile differs from the approved sample. Loose caps can give inconsistent contact, while brittle rods can chip during assembly or arrive cracked after transport.
An unapproved grade, binder or treatment can change resistance and behaviour in the cell. Check production samples in the actual assembly and keep batch test records linked to the shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on battery carbon rods from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% under 8545 90 90 99, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that this residual line matches the finished rod.
Which commodity code covers battery carbon rods?
Use 8545 90 90 99 as the starting point for finished battery carbons. Give your customs broker the drawing, composition, fittings and intended use before confirming classification.
What should I specify when ordering battery carbon rods?
Specify grade, diameter, length, straightness, end profile, resistivity, strength, ash content and any treatment or metal cap. Agree test methods and approve a sample in your cell assembly.
Does UK REACH apply to battery carbon rods?
UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles. Assess the rod's composition, including binders, treatments and caps, to establish the obligations for your supply.