Sourcing borosilicate float glass from China
Borosilicate float-glass sheets from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 7005 lines, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Building products within the construction-product rules need a valid declaration of performance. Specify composition and thermal performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources borosilicate float-glass sheets.
UK duty on borosilicate glass sheets
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. This guide concerns borosilicate sheets supplied in that condition. The clear uncoated lines divide by thickness; a non-reflecting layer has its own line. See the wider float-glass guide for the heading as a whole.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, the relevant lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the manufacturing process, thickness, coating and any further working. Do not classify from the words borosilicate or heat-resistant alone. Toughening or laminating changes the classification to heading 7007, as explained in the wider guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear uncoated borosilicate sheets, up to 3.5 mm | 7005 29 25 00 | 0% | None |
| Clear uncoated borosilicate sheets, over 3.5 mm up to 4.5 mm | 7005 29 35 00 | 0% | None |
| Clear uncoated borosilicate sheets, over 4.5 mm | 7005 29 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Borosilicate sheets with a non-reflecting layer | 7005 10 05 00 | 0% | None |
Specify composition and thermal performance
State the borosilicate composition, sheet dimensions, thickness tolerance, flatness, surface quality and permitted edge damage. Request a batch material certificate and agree how composition and thermal expansion will be verified. Specify whether sheets are uncoated or coated, the coating face and the optical performance needed for the intended use.
Agree the operating conditions and temperature-change test with your processor or laboratory, including heating, cooling, mounting and acceptance criteria. Ask for evidence covering the supplied thickness and finish. For building use, establish the applicable construction-product standard and documentation before ordering. Products within the construction-product rules need a valid declaration of performance; the reference guide also identifies UKCA or CE marking for covered building glass.
Where CE marking has been legitimately affixed to a construction product, additional UKCA marking is not required for supply in Great Britain. Match the declaration and supporting reports to the actual borosilicate product. Use testing and certification to define the evidence needed for your intended application.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative crated batch of clear uncoated borosilicate sheets over 4.5 mm; illustrative whole-pound FOB and freight values under 7005 29 80 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,900, so it is £580. 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 markings and certificates to the order; check composition and thermal-expansion evidence rather than accepting a generic heat-resistant label.
Dimensions and surfaces: measure sampled sheets for thickness, size and flatness; inspect for bubbles, inclusions, scratches, cracks and chipped edges against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Performance: check production samples using the agreed temperature-change method and mounting arrangement; for coated sheets, confirm the coating face and optical results.
Packing and arrival: inspect crate supports, separators, moisture protection and restraint; photograph breakage before unpacking further. Ensure solid-wood packaging meets the applicable import requirements. Record findings using the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A heat-resistant description can conceal a different glass composition or a report for another product. A clear appearance does not establish thermal performance. Keep an approved sample and link production certificates and test results to the delivered batch. Confirm suitability with the processor before committing to cutting or installation.
Edge chips, uneven support and sheet movement can leave usable-looking glass damaged before processing. Damp stacks can arrive stained or stuck together, while coated faces can be scratched by unsuitable separators. Agree the packing arrangement before shipment and separate damaged sheets on arrival.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on borosilicate float-glass sheets from China?
The relevant heading 7005 lines carried 0% duty on the read date, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate.
How do I check that the sheets are borosilicate glass?
Request batch-linked composition and thermal-expansion evidence. Agree independent sample testing where material identity matters; appearance and a heat-resistant label do not establish the composition.
Can I use a generic heat-resistance report?
Check that it covers the supplied composition, thickness, finish and intended temperature-change conditions. Agree testing with the processor or laboratory before ordering.
Do borosilicate sheets for buildings need a declaration of performance?
A valid declaration of performance is required for products within the construction-product rules. Establish which standard and conformity documents apply to the actual borosilicate product and intended use.