Sourcing brass foil from China

Brass foil duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7410 covers copper and copper-alloy foil not exceeding 0.15 mm in thickness, excluding any backing. Brass belongs to the copper-alloy lines: 7410 12 00 00 for unbacked foil and 7410 22 00 00 for backed foil.

Both brass-relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for either line. The table separates buying formats that share the same commodity code.

Confirm alloy composition, metal thickness and backing before choosing your commodity code. For the wider heading, see copper foil and clad laminate. Thicker brass sheet and strip are covered by our sheet and strip guide.

Specify alloy, temper and backing

State the alloy designation and composition, temper, metal thickness and tolerance, width, roll length or sheet dimensions, and acceptable edge burr. Explain whether the foil will be formed, cut or bonded. Agree a sample that demonstrates the intended operation rather than approving colour alone.

For backed foil, identify the backing material, adhesive, treated side and required bond performance. Specify surface cleanliness and protection against tarnish. Ask for a supplier statement on restricted substances under UK REACH for leaded brass and plating.

UK REACH requires businesses to identify and manage risks from substances they manufacture and place on the market in Great Britain. Use the composition information to assess the material and its intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10 small rolls of unbacked brass foil under 7410 12 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,200, so it is £1,240. 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: match the mill certificate and batch identification to the ordered alloy and temper. Test composition and hardness where the application is critical.

Dimensions: measure metal thickness across the width and along sampled lengths, excluding backing. Check slit width, edge burr and waviness.

Surface and bond: inspect for pinholes, scratches, wrinkles, tarnish and oil residue. For backed foil, check adhesion using the agreed sample method.

Packing: check sealed wrapping, desiccant and supported roll cores. Look for crushed edges, loose winding and moisture before accepting the delivery.

What goes wrong

An unsuitable alloy or temper can crack during forming or fail to hold the required shape. Uneven thickness changes fit and handling; slit burrs interfere with assembly. Tarnish, oil and wrinkles can spoil visible surfaces or bonding, while damaged cores make rolls difficult to unwind.

Keep the approved sample and batch certificate with the order records. Agree checks before dispatch and repeat them on arrival, including a trial in your own process. Our inspection guide explains how to organise the checks.

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.