Sourcing cast iron sash weights from China

Duty on cast iron sash weights

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7325 covers other cast articles of iron or steel. For loose cast iron sash weights, consider 7325 10 00 99 for non-malleable cast iron or 7325 99 10 90 for other cast iron, subject to the actual material and product description. The table distinguishes shapes within these lines rather than additional tariff subdivisions.

Both candidate lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls in the supplied tariff snapshot. The heading's 38.10 % residual anti-dumping measure concerns specified grey or ductile iron articles for ground or sub-surface systems, rather than ordinary sash weights.

Confirm the iron type and whether the shipment comprises loose weights or a larger window assembly before choosing the code. Use finding your commodity code and the wider cast iron counterweights guide. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation.

Specify mass, pocket fit and attachment

Give the foundry a drawing showing finished mass and its agreed tolerance, overall length, maximum cross-section, attachment position and hole or eye dimensions. Specify the iron grade, surface finish and whether the weight is solid or accepts additional balancing pieces. Base the required mass on the finished sash, including its glazing and hardware, and confirm the balance with the installer.

Check the available weight-pocket space throughout the sash travel, including clearance beside the other weight, cord or chain. Approve a sample in the intended window arrangement before production. For weights intended for consumer use in Great Britain, general product safety rules require safe products. Include attachment failure and falling-weight risks in your sample assessment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 cast iron sash weights, illustrative order only under 7325 10 00 99, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,500, so it is £900. 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

Mass: weigh finished samples individually against the drawing and compare pieces packed as matching sets. Check that the coating has not obscured identification.

Pocket fit: measure length and maximum cross-section, including casting flash and the attachment. Trial-fit samples and check movement throughout the intended travel.

Attachment: inspect eyes and holes for cracks, thin sections and sharp edges. Check compatibility with the specified cord or chain and test the connection against the agreed inspection brief.

Casting and packing: check for visible cavities, loose surface material, rust and coating damage. Separate weights within the packaging and inspect for impact damage on arrival. Use quality inspection to document findings.

What goes wrong

A weight can match the drawing's outer dimensions but have the wrong mass because of cavities or a changed casting design. Excess length or flash can cause binding inside the pocket. Rough attachment holes abrade cords, while damaged or poorly formed eyes can fail at the connection.

Do not accept a sample solely because it looks like the original weight. Check its mass, travel and attachment in the intended assembly, then compare production samples with that approved sample. Keep different masses clearly separated so installers do not mix them.

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.