Sourcing cold-drawn mild steel flats from China
Cold-drawn mild steel flat bars from China carry 50% duty across the listed lines in the supplied tariff snapshot. Classification depends on carbon content, rectangular section and processing, so match the mill certificate to the goods before declaring them. Cambridge China Bridge sources cold-drawn mild steel flat bars.
Duty and classification for cold-drawn flats
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7215 covers other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel. Cold-drawn rectangular bars containing less than 0.25% carbon, other than free-cutting steel, match 7215 50 11 00 when not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished. The table includes related composition and processing alternatives; they are not interchangeable descriptions of ordinary mild steel flats.
Every listed line carries 50% third-country duty for goods from China in the supplied snapshot. It records no separate steel measure, anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Budget using that snapshot and ask your broker to check the declaration-date tariff. The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism starts on 1 January 2027; ask your customs broker or the relevant authority to confirm whether these bars fall within its iron and steel scope. See our UK carbon border adjustment guide.
Confirm the commodity code using the heat chemistry, cross-section and processing history. The carbon boundary is 0.25%; free-cutting grades have their own line, while further processing needs a separate classification check. Ask the supplier to distinguish cold-drawn flats from slit strip or hot-rolled flats. Our cold-drawn square bar guide gives wider heading context.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-finished rectangular bars, under 0.25% carbon | 7215 50 11 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished bars, 0.25% carbon or more | 7215 50 80 00 | 50% | None |
| Free-cutting steel bars, cold-formed or cold-finished | 7215 10 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Other iron or non-alloy steel bars, other processing | 7215 90 00 90 | 50% | None |
Specify width, thickness and drawing condition
Specify the steel grade and chemistry, cold-drawn finish, width, thickness, length and delivery condition. Agree separate width and thickness tolerances, straightness, twist, edge shape and permitted surface defects. Tell the mill whether the bars will be welded, drilled or machined, and agree any mechanical properties your application needs.
The reference guide identifies BS EN 10277 for bright steel products. Ask for a BS EN 10204 type 3.1 inspection certificate showing heat identity, chemistry and relevant test results. Treat the certificate as purchase evidence to check against the delivered bars.
UK REACH generally applies to substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Review the declared steel composition and any coating or preservative with your compliance adviser to determine the applicable obligations.
Agree bundle identification, corrosion protection and support during transport. Solid wood packaging used to import these bars into Great Britain must meet ISPM15. Include that packaging requirement in the supplier brief.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 30 tonnes of cold-drawn mild steel flat bars under 7215 50 11 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £30,000. Duty at 50% is £15,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £45,000, so it is £9,000. Import taxes total £24,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £15,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match bundle tags and heat numbers to the mill certificate, ordered grade and declared chemistry.
Dimensions: measure width and thickness along the bars; check length, straightness, twist and edge shape against the agreed drawing.
Surface: inspect broad faces and edges for drawing seams, scratches, rust, pitting and damaged ends.
Arrival: inspect wrapping, bundle restraints and supports before unloading; record wet packaging and handling damage. Use our quality inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A sample can meet thickness tolerance while production bars vary in width or twist. Surface seams may appear during machining, and rust can leave pits after cleaning. Record acceptance limits for both broad faces and edges, and inspect production material before shipment.
Ordering simply as mild steel flat bar leaves chemistry and processing ambiguous. Substituting a free-cutting grade or another finishing route can change machining behaviour and classification. Require written approval for substitutions and retain the heat identity when bundles are split.
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 cold-drawn mild steel flat bars from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 50% duty on every listed line. It records no additional trade remedy or suspension. Confirm the applicable code and declaration-date rate with your broker.
Which commodity code covers cold-drawn mild steel flats?
7215 50 11 00 covers non-free-cutting, cold-finished rectangular bars with less than 0.25% carbon, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished. Check chemistry and processing before using it.
What should I ask for on the mill certificate?
Ask for a type 3.1 certificate to BS EN 10204, with the grade, heat number, chemistry and relevant mechanical results. Match the heat number to the bundle tags.
Does the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism cover these bars?
The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism starts on 1 January 2027. Confirm with your customs broker or the relevant authority whether these bars fall within its iron and steel scope. Check your position using our UK carbon border adjustment guide.