Sourcing cold-drawn oval steel bars from China
Cold-drawn non-alloy steel oval bars from China carry 50% duty across the relevant lines in the supplied tariff snapshot. Classification depends on free-cutting status, carbon content and further processing. Specify the complete oval profile and retain mill traceability. Cambridge China Bridge sources cold-drawn non-alloy steel oval bars.
Duty depends on the steel and processing
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7215 covers other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel. For cold-drawn oval bars, distinguish free-cutting steel from other grades, then check carbon content. The further-worked row is a classification checkpoint for bars processed beyond cold finishing.
The supplied snapshot records 50% third-country duty on every listed line for goods from China. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control, and does not flag a separate steel measure. Use this dated snapshot for the example rather than assuming quota relief.
Confirm the commodity code using the mill chemistry, cross-section drawing and processing description. For the wider heading, see our cold-drawn half-round bars guide. UK sanctions prohibit certain Russian iron and steel products processed in third countries; obtain verifiable supply-chain evidence from the Chinese supplier.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-drawn oval bars of free-cutting steel | 7215 10 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Other cold-drawn oval bars containing less than 0.25% carbon | 7215 50 19 00 | 50% | None |
| Other cold-drawn oval bars containing 0.25% carbon or more | 7215 50 80 00 | 50% | None |
| Further-worked oval bars, subject to classification confirmation | 7215 90 00 90 | 50% | None |
Specify the oval profile, grade and condition
Attach a dimensioned cross-section drawing showing the major and minor axes and the full contour. State whether the profile is elliptical or has straight sides with rounded ends. Agree profile tolerances, twist, straightness, cut length, end condition and machining allowance.
Specify the non-alloy steel grade, carbon content, free-cutting status, delivery condition and surface defect limits. Ask for heat-linked mill chemistry and mechanical test results. Agree corrosion protection and bundle identification. Use factory verification to check the supplier's drawing and inspection capability.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 30 tonnes of cold-drawn non-alloy steel oval bars, illustrative only under 7215 50 19 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
Profile: measure the major and minor axes along sampled bars and compare the complete contour with the approved drawing or profile gauge.
Straightness and twist: inspect bars on a suitable reference surface and check that the oval section keeps its agreed orientation along the length.
Surface and ends: check for drawing seams, scratches, rust, burrs and handling dents against the agreed acceptance limits.
Traceability: match bundle tags to heat records, chemistry and delivery condition; retain supply-chain documents supporting input origin.
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What goes wrong
Bars can meet the overall width and thickness yet have the wrong contour, so they do not fit a mating slot or machining fixture. Twist can also change the orientation during feeding. Approve the full profile and inspection method before production.
Drawing seams may become visible during machining, while wet wrapping can hide corrosion. Recheck the profile, surface and bundle identity on arrival before releasing stock. Our inspection guide explains how to agree checks with the supplier.
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 oval steel bars from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot records 50% on the relevant lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the exact code and entry-date treatment with your broker.
Which commodity code covers cold-drawn oval steel bars?
Check free-cutting status first. Other cold-finished oval bars use 7215 50 19 00 below 0.25% carbon or 7215 50 80 00 at 0.25% or more. Further processing needs a separate classification check.
What dimensions should I specify for oval steel bars?
Give the major and minor axes, complete contour, profile tolerances, straightness, twist and cut length. A width and thickness alone do not define the shape.
What origin evidence should I get from the Chinese mill?
Obtain verifiable supply-chain documents supporting the steel input origin. Official guidance says traders should be prepared to provide supply-chain evidence; supplier declarations may need further supporting evidence.