Sourcing cobalt-alloy tubes from China

Duty on cobalt-alloy tubes

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 8105 covers cobalt mattes and other intermediate products of cobalt metallurgy, cobalt and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. For finished tubes confirmed within this heading, the relevant supplied line is 8105 90 00 00, described as Other. The table shows purchasing forms against that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied snapshot records 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached controls. The separate scrap line, 8105 30 00 00, carries waste import and export controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste. For tubes imported from China as scrap, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker and waste regulator before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the full alloy analysis, manufacturing form and intended product description. Do not choose a code solely from the supplier's trade name. For wider cobalt material coverage, see cobalt-alloy sheet.

Specify the alloy, tube route and service

Specify the alloy designation and full chemistry, including cobalt, chromium, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum and carbon where relevant. State seamless or welded construction, outside diameter, wall thickness, bore, length, straightness and ovality tolerances. Agree heat treatment, hardness, surface finish and end preparation. Describe the operating fluid, temperature and pressure so the supplier can propose material and tests for your engineer to approve.

Request a mill certificate linked to each heat and bundle, with chemistry, mechanical properties and the agreed test results. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles as well as substances and mixtures; assess the obligations for the actual tube composition and supply role. Agree any pressure, weld integrity or corrosion testing with the equipment designer. Use testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of cobalt-alloy tubes for an engineering business under 8105 90 00 00, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £62,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £62,500, so it is £12,500. 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

Identity: match heat and bundle markings to the mill certificate and order; independently verify alloy chemistry on agreed samples.

Geometry: measure outside diameter, wall thickness, ovality, straightness and cut length; check wall variation around the circumference.

Integrity: inspect the bore and outer surface for cracks, laps, scoring and weld defects; review the agreed integrity and pressure test records.

Packing: check end caps, separators and bundle restraint; look for crushed ends, bent tubes and moisture. Agree checks before dispatch through the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A tube sold by trade name can arrive with different chemistry or heat treatment from the order. Thin spots, ovality or an internal weld bead can prevent fitting or machining, while a certificate copied from another heat breaks traceability. Compare the material and records before cutting or mixing bundles.

Packing can leave long tubes bent and ends damaged. Agree acceptance criteria, sampling, retesting and replacement arrangements before payment, and retain identified samples and inspection records for any dispute.

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.