Sourcing Brass Split Pins from China

UK duty on brass split pins

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7415 covers copper and copper-alloy fasteners, including cotters and cotter pins. Brass split pins fall within the other non-threaded articles line, 7415 29 00 00. The table shows variants within that same commodity line.

The supplied tariff data records 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT. See the duty and VAT guide.

Confirm the commodity code against the actual material and product drawing. Brass-plated steel fasteners belong to heading 7318, as explained in the published copper and brass fasteners guide.

Specify the alloy, eye and bendable legs

Describe a mechanical split cotter pin with an eye and legs that spread after insertion. Send a drawing showing the assembled pin diameter, length beneath the eye, eye dimensions, leg lengths and tolerances. Agree how length is measured so the factory and receiving inspector use the same reference points.

Specify solid brass by alloy composition or an agreed material grade, together with finish and material condition. Approve samples in the intended hole and assembly. Agree an installation bend check and acceptance criteria for cracking, burrs and distortion. Do not approve a material substitution solely because its colour matches.

Importers and sellers of consumer-use pins are responsible for product safety. For pins supplied in consumer repair packs, consider sharp ends and foreseeable handling during installation. Keep the approved drawing, material records and inspection results together.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Cartons of assorted brass split pins for a hardware distributor (illustrative) under 7415 29 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,900, so it is £980. 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: compare batch certificates with the ordered alloy, analyse samples and inspect a cut section to detect a plated steel core.

Dimensions: measure the closed pin diameter, length beneath the eye, eye opening and leg lengths against the drawing; trial-fit samples in the intended hole.

Bending and finish: spread sample legs using the agreed installation method; check for cracks, broken legs, sharp burrs and damaged eyes.

Packing: check size separation, pack counts and batch identification against the packing list. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

A pin can look correct yet bind in the hole because its closed diameter or eye shape is wrong. Short legs may leave too little material to spread securely. Hard material can crack during installation, while burrs can catch on the hole or injure the person fitting it.

Other failures include plated steel supplied as solid brass and mixed sizes inside labelled packs. Hold affected stock, compare it with the approved sample and drawing, and ask the supplier to investigate the batch before agreeing replacement goods.

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.