Sourcing cast iron tree grates from China

Zero ordinary duty; check the grate's function

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7325 covers other cast articles of iron or steel. For tree grates, establish the iron type and what the grate covers. HMRC distinguishes ordinary ductile iron castings from non-malleable cast iron. The table gives classification candidates, including ground-system lines only where their descriptions apply.

The supplied tariff facts show 0% ordinary duty for goods from China throughout this heading. Specified grey and ductile iron ground-system articles carry 38.10% residual anti-dumping duty; named exporter rates require the prescribed invoice declaration. The facts list no countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Ask your broker to assess whether the tree-pit design meets the ground-system description rather than assuming that every tree grate is exempt.

Send the broker drawings, material certificates, photographs and an explanation of the installed function. Confirm the full code using finding your commodity code. For related drainage products within this heading, see cast iron trench drainage gratings. Include import VAT when comparing landed costs, using UK import duty and VAT.

Specify the tree opening and supporting frame

Specify grey or ductile iron, the overall shape, frame dimensions, seating depth, segment joints, fixing positions and centre opening. Agree how the opening can be enlarged as the trunk grows, without leaving unsupported segments. Give the foundry the finished paving level and supporting detail, rather than only a photograph of the decorative pattern.

Agree slot width and orientation for the expected footwear, walking aids and wheeled traffic. Specify the intended pedestrian or vehicle exposure, the load test arrangement and acceptance criteria. Ask for evidence covering the actual grate, frame and supports. Agree surface texture, coating preparation and finish, including the underside and cut edges.

For permanent installation, ask a compliance adviser to check the applicable construction-product standard and assessment route before accepting conformity markings. Official guidance says products not covered or not fully covered by a designated standard may be covered by a technical assessment document. Arrange testing and certification around the exact design and intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 50 grey iron tree grate and frame sets, assuming this classification (illustrative) 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

Material: match the ordered iron grade to production material certificates and inspect for cracks, porosity and damaged ribs. For ductile iron, request evidence of graphite nodularity.

Assembly: assemble sampled complete sets in their frames. Check segment interchangeability, flat seating, fixing alignment, centre-opening clearance and the ability to remove expansion sections.

Walking surface: measure slots and joints against the approved drawing. Check for sharp edges, raised segment corners and rocking, then review load evidence for the agreed support arrangement.

Finish and arrival: inspect coating coverage, especially underneath and around joints. On arrival, check for transport fractures, missing fixings and mixed segments before installation. Use quality inspection to document discrepancies.

What goes wrong

A decorative sample can hide an unsuitable assembly. Segments cast from different patterns may leave uneven joints or rock in the frame. Coating can conceal casting defects, while narrow ribs can fracture during transport or installation. A load report for a different frame or support arrangement does not establish performance for the supplied set.

Tree openings can become restrictive if growth clearance and removable sections were overlooked. Incorrect frame depth leaves the grate proud of the paving or creates a recessed edge. Settle the installed detail, approve an assembled sample and identify replacement segments before production.

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.