Sourcing cast iron covers and castings from China
Cast articles of iron or steel from China pay 0% UK customs duty, but cast iron manhole covers, gratings and frames for ground systems, in grey or ductile iron, carry anti-dumping duty: 38.1% for most exporters, with named company rates from 15.5%, in force until 31 January 2028. Other castings such as grinding balls and drain parts have none. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Cast iron castings pay 0% UK duty from China, but manhole covers and gratings of grey or ductile iron carry anti-dumping duty of 15.5% to 38.1%.
Zero duty, with one big exception
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, cast articles of non-malleable cast iron, grinding balls for mills, and other cast articles of iron or steel carried 0% third-country duty from China.
Grey and ductile cast iron articles used to cover, give access to or view ground and sub-surface systems, such as manhole covers, gully gratings and frames, carried anti-dumping duty under measures the tariff lists against the Trade Remedies (Dumping and Subsidisation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The residual rate is 38.1%, named exporters pay from 15.5% to 31.5% with a valid invoice declaration, and the measures run to 31 January 2028.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey iron covers and frames for ground systems | 7325 10 00 31 | 0% | 15.5% to 38.1% (residual 38.1%) |
| Other non-malleable cast iron articles | 7325 10 00 99 | 0% | None |
| Grinding balls for mills | 7325 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ductile iron covers and frames for ground systems | 7325 99 10 60 | 0% | 15.5% to 38.1% (residual 38.1%) |
| Other cast articles, other | 7325 99 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Other cast steel articles | 7325 99 90 90 | 0% | None |
Planning around anti-dumping
The duty is charged on the customs value, so on a residual-rate cover it can exceed the freight cost. Ask whether the foundry is a named exporter with its own rate, get the required invoice declaration wording before shipment, and compare the landed price with UK or other-origin covers. The import duty guide explains how the declarations work.
Standards
Manhole covers and gully gratings are specified to BS EN 124 load classes, from pedestrian areas to heavy vehicle loads; the class must be marked on the cover. Drain channels and floor drains have their own standards, EN 1433 and EN 1253, which the tariff also names.
Inspection
Ask for load test reports and material certificates, check castings for porosity and seating fit, and weigh a sample of covers. At inspection, check class marking and coating.
Cambridge China Bridge sources castings, drain parts and covers, with anti-dumping exposure and load class settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
Is there anti-dumping duty on Chinese manhole covers?
Yes. On 25 September 2026 grey and ductile iron covers and frames for ground systems carried 38.1% residual anti-dumping duty, with named exporters from 15.5%, until 31 January 2028.
What is the ordinary duty on castings from China?
Cast articles of heading 7325 carried 0% third-country duty; only the covers and frames carry anti-dumping duty.
Which standard applies to manhole covers?
BS EN 124, which sets load classes that must be marked on the cover.
How do named exporter rates apply?
Only with the invoice declaration the measure requires; otherwise the residual rate applies.