Sourcing blister copper and copper anodes from China

0% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 November 2026, heading 7402 covers unrefined copper and copper anodes for electrolytic refining. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.

Refined copper cathodes are covered in our copper cathodes guide. Phosphorised copper anodes used in plating may be classified with refined copper products, so confirm the commodity code from the composition.

Specifying copper and anodes

Specify copper content and impurity limits (such as silver, gold, arsenic, antimony, bismuth and lead), anode dimensions, lug design, weight tolerance, and surface condition. Agree sampling, the assay laboratory and payment on assayed content, since precious metal credits may apply to blister copper.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of copper anodes under 7402 00 00 00, invoiced at £150,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £152,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £152,000, so it is £30,400. 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

Assay: sample and assay copper and impurities.

Dimensions: check anode size, flatness and lugs.

Weight: witness weighing. See our quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

Unrefined copper orders fail on assay and shape. Copper content is lower than invoiced, impurities are high, and anodes are uneven so they refine poorly.

Cambridge China Bridge sources metals for UK refiners and recyclers with assay and documents agreed before payment. See factory verification.