Sourcing cast iron surface plates from China
Cast iron surface plates classified under the relevant other-casting lines carry 0% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy listed. Suppliers must provide safe work equipment. Agree flatness, support conditions and an identifiable inspection report before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources cast iron surface plates.
Zero duty on the relevant casting lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 19 October 2026, heading 7325 covers other cast articles of iron or steel. The relevant other-casting lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control on these lines. The table repeats codes for different plate configurations; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Ground-system covers elsewhere in this heading carry residual anti-dumping duty of 38.10 %. Their descriptions concern access to or coverage of ground systems, rather than workshop reference surfaces. See the wider casting guide.
Treat the table as a classification starting point. Send your broker the material specification, drawing, machining details, intended use and details of any supplied assembly. Confirm whether the finished product belongs in this heading using finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain grey cast iron surface plates, subject to classification | 7325 10 00 99 | 0% | None |
| Other cast iron surface plates, subject to classification | 7325 99 10 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the reference surface and its support
State whether the plate is for dimensional inspection, marking out or holding workpieces. Agree the iron grade, working dimensions, rib layout, finished edges, grooves and stand. Define overall flatness and local variation separately, with the measurement method, support locations and test conditions written into the order.
Ask how the casting is stabilised before final machining or scraping. Request a measurement map and report identifying the actual plate, instruments and support arrangement. For inspection work, agree how calibration will be checked after delivery. A supplier's grade label alone does not establish the flatness of your plate.
HSE states that suppliers must supply safe work equipment. Ask for handling and installation instructions, plate weight, lifting arrangements and stand stability details. Solid wood packaging used to import goods into Great Britain must meet the international phytosanitary packaging standard; include this requirement in the packing brief.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of workshop grey cast iron surface plates under 7325 10 00 99, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £34,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £34,000, so it is £6,800. 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
Surface: remove protective oil before checking for rust, dents, burrs, open pores and repairs on the working face. Compare the measurement map with the agreed flatness criteria.
Support: check the stand, bearing locations and levelling arrangement against the drawing. Measure the plate under the agreed support conditions rather than resting it on an arbitrary bench.
Identity: match the plate identification to the material record and measurement report. Check that the report describes the supplied working surface, including any grooves.
Packing and arrival: check restraint, moisture protection and separation from metal fittings. Photograph damage before unpacking and repeat agreed surface checks after installation. Include these checks in your inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A smooth-looking face can still have unacceptable overall bow or local hollows. A report taken on different supports may not describe performance in your workshop. Castings can move after finishing, while burrs around grooves and poorly positioned supports can undermine the reference surface.
Transit rust, impacts and loose restraints can damage an otherwise acceptable plate. Agree how arrival measurements will resolve a disputed result, retain the factory measurement map and avoid accepting a generic report covering a different plate.
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 surface plates from China?
The relevant other-casting lines in heading 7325 carry 0% duty, with no trade remedy listed in the supplied tariff record. Confirm the finished plate's classification before shipment.
Do cast iron surface plates attract manhole-cover anti-dumping duty?
The relevant other-casting lines have none listed. The ground-system cover lines have different goods descriptions and carry anti-dumping duty. Classify by the actual material, construction and use.
What should a surface plate inspection report contain?
Ask for plate identification, a measurement map, overall and local flatness results, instrument details, support positions and test conditions, all matched to your purchase specification.
Should I check flatness again after delivery?
Agree arrival checks before ordering. Remove protective oil, inspect for damage, install on the specified supports and repeat the agreed measurements before relying on the plate for inspection.