Sourcing bearing-steel wire rod from China
Bearing-steel wire rod from China has a listed UK duty of 50% outside quota; available quota can reduce ordinary duty to 0%, while 24.00% residual anti-dumping remains. Classify by mill chemistry and hot-rolled coil form, rather than the bearing-steel name alone. Cambridge China Bridge sources bearing-steel wire rod.
Bearing-steel chemistry, duty and quotas
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7227 covers other alloy steel bars and rods, hot-rolled in irregularly wound coils. Bearing-steel rod meeting the listed carbon, chromium and molybdenum limits falls under 7227 90 50 00; other alloy compositions need separate classification checks. The table repeats codes for different intended processes, rather than showing separate tariff lines. See the wider alloy steel wire rod guide.
The relevant lines list 50% third-country duty and are marked for the steel measure, with 24.00% residual anti-dumping duty for China. Available tariff-free quota can remove the ordinary duty, but anti-dumping remains and cumulates with the steel duty outside quota. The supplied extract records no countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Ask your customs broker to check quota availability and any producer-specific anti-dumping rate before budgeting.
Confirm the commodity code from heat chemistry, processing history and delivery form. A bearing-steel grade name does not establish the code. Already drawn bearing-steel wire needs a separate classification check. A lower specified-exporter anti-dumping rate requires the prescribed invoice declaration; without the invoice or declaration, the residual rate applies.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearing-steel wire rod with listed carbon/chromium chemistry, for drawing | 7227 90 50 00 | 50% outside quota | 24.00% residual anti-dumping |
| Other alloy bearing-steel wire rod, for drawing, subject to chemistry checks | 7227 90 95 00 | 50% outside quota | 24.00% residual anti-dumping |
Bearing-steel cleanliness and processing condition
Specify the intended bearing component and whether the rod will be drawn or formed. Agree the grade, chemical limits, rod diameter, ovality, surface condition and delivery condition. State whether annealing will be performed by the mill or during your own process, and agree the hardness and microstructure needed for that route.
For bearing manufacture, agree acceptance criteria for non-metallic inclusions, decarburisation, surface seams and internal soundness. Request heat-linked mill records and representative test results. Define sampling and the method for resolving disputed results before ordering. Include coil dimensions, weight, binding and protection so the material fits your handling and pay-off equipment.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match each coil tag and heat number to the packing list, mill records and ordered grade; hold mixed or untraceable material.
Chemistry and structure: verify the agreed composition, inclusion assessment, hardness and microstructure using representative samples.
Surface and dimensions: check diameter, ovality, seams, laps, rust and agreed decarburisation limits; inspect damaged binding and coil distortion.
Processing: trial drawing or forming through your intended route before releasing the lot; agree the scope through testing and certification.
What goes wrong
A certificate can match the grade name while leaving inclusion quality, decarburisation or processing condition unverified. Surface seams may open during drawing, and unsuitable hardness can disrupt forming. Agree measurable acceptance criteria and keep heat traceability through storage, sampling and production.
Using a supplier's description as the classification basis can put the shipment on the wrong line. Budgeting only for ordinary duty misses anti-dumping, while assuming quota is guaranteed understates exposure. Check the declaration and invoice basis with your broker; use the import duty and VAT guide when reviewing landed cost.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on bearing-steel wire rod from China?
The relevant lines list 50% outside quota, plus 24.00% residual anti-dumping duty. Available tariff-free quota can reduce ordinary duty to 0%, but does not remove anti-dumping.
Is bearing-steel wire rod the same as bearing-steel wire?
Wire rod here is hot-rolled material in irregularly wound coils. Already drawn wire needs a separate classification check. Ask for the mill's processing history and delivery condition.
What should a bearing-steel mill certificate show?
Request heat identity, chemistry, delivery condition and agreed test results. Specify inclusion quality, decarburisation, hardness and microstructure checks rather than accepting a grade name alone.
Can my supplier obtain a lower anti-dumping rate?
A specified-exporter rate requires the prescribed commercial invoice declaration. Have your broker verify eligibility. Without the invoice or declaration, the residual rate applies.