Sector guides

Sourcing sectional cast iron radiators from China

Cast iron sectional central heating radiators from China carry 2% UK duty, so the duty range is a single rate. Request the declaration of performance and heat-output test report for the supplied configuration before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources cast iron sectional radiators.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-13

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Duty on cast iron sectional radiators

Heading 7322 covers non-electrically heated iron or steel central heating radiators and their parts, alongside certain air heaters. Cast iron sectional radiators fall within the cast iron radiator line. The table lists product variants sharing that line. See the wider radiators and towel rails guide. For skirting radiator sourcing, see our steel hydronic skirting radiators guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, code 7322 11 00 00 carries 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control for this line.

Confirm the material, heating method and whether the shipment contains assembled radiators or separate parts before selecting the commodity code. Describe separately supplied accessories individually rather than assuming they share the radiator code.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Plain cast iron sectional central heating radiators7322 11 00 002%None

Specify the assembled radiator and its heat output

Specify the casting pattern, section count, height, depth, assembled width, pipe centres and connection threads. Agree the joint nipples, seals, blanking plugs and air vents, together with integral feet or separate supports. Ask for the filled weight and support drawings so the installer can assess the proposed mounting arrangement.

Ask for the EN 442 heat-output report and declaration of performance for the configuration being supplied. Match the stated output and temperature difference to the configuration you intend to sell. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Arrange document checks through testing and certification.

Agree whether radiators arrive assembled, the pressure-test procedure and the finish sample. Specify protection around feet, exposed threads and decorative relief, with restraints that stop the radiator moving inside its crate.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial order of 2 decorative cast iron sectional radiators under 7322 11 00 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £1,120 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,120. Duty at 2% is £62.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,182.40, so it is £636.48. Import taxes total £698.88; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £62.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Assembly and pressure: witness testing of assembled production radiators against the agreed procedure. Check section joints, plugs and tappings for weeping, and record the radiator identity and test result.

Dimensions and support: count sections and measure overall dimensions, pipe centres and threads against the approved drawing. Check feet sit evenly and supports match the supplied radiator.

Casting and finish: inspect for visible cracks, damaged relief, rough edges and uneven coating. Compare colour with the approved sample and check accessible waterways for loose debris.

Arrival and packing: photograph crate damage, inspect feet and end sections for impact damage, and check for movement within the packing. Agree these checks in the inspection scope before shipment.

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What goes wrong

A factory may quote output for a different section count or temperature difference, making the supplied radiator difficult to compare with the catalogue claim. Section joints can weep after assembly, and incorrect threads or pipe centres can prevent installation. Freeze the assembled drawing and match the output documents to it.

Heavy castings can arrive with cracked feet, chipped decorative surfaces or damaged end sections if the crate allows movement. Check packing on the assembled product and inspect again on arrival. Agree replacement sections and compatible joint components before ordering.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK import duty on cast iron sectional radiators from China?

The supplied tariff record gives 2% for 7322 11 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

Do cast iron sectional radiators need CE marking?

CE marking remains available for construction products sold in Great Britain. Ask for the declaration of performance and heat-output report matching the supplied radiator configuration.

How do I compare cast iron radiator heat output?

Compare tested output at the same temperature difference. Match the report to the casting design, height and assembled section count, rather than accepting a catalogue figure alone.

What should I check when cast iron radiators arrive?

Check section joints, feet, end sections, threads, pipe centres and finish. Photograph packing damage and arrange the agreed leak checks before accepting the batch.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain

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