Sourcing trapezoidal steel bars from China
Cold-drawn non-alloy steel trapezoidal bars have a listed UK duty of 50%. Wider guidance describes 0% within an eligible steel quota, so confirm entitlement before budgeting. Grade, carbon content and processing determine the code. Cambridge China Bridge sources cold-drawn non-alloy steel trapezoidal bars.
Listed duty and classification checks
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 trapezoidal bars, distinguish free-cutting steel from other grades and check carbon content. The final table row is a classification review option for further-worked goods, rather than the default for cold-drawn stock. Use the commodity code guide with the drawing, chemistry and processing description.
The supplied snapshot lists 50% third-country duty on every selected line for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded. Our wider published guidance describes 0% within an eligible steel quota and 50% outside it. The snapshot does not establish quota entitlement: ask your broker to confirm availability before budgeting. See the wider heading guide covering triangular bars.
Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether and when these lines fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism. Ask the mill for production emissions information when planning future imports, and review the UK carbon border adjustment guide. For Russian-steel sanctions checks, supplier declarations may be acceptable, but importers should be prepared to provide further evidence retrospectively if required.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-drawn trapezoidal bars of free-cutting steel | 7215 10 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Other cold-drawn trapezoidal bars, carbon below 0.25% | 7215 50 19 00 | 50% | None |
| Other cold-drawn trapezoidal bars, carbon 0.25% or more | 7215 50 80 00 | 50% | None |
| Other bars, for classification review if further worked after drawing | 7215 90 00 90 | 50% | None |
Specify the trapezoidal profile
Supply a cross-section drawing showing the wide face, narrow face, height, flank angles and corner radii. Identify the datum face and specify dimensional tolerances, straightness, twist, cut length and end condition. Define whether the profile is symmetrical and which faces locate against the mating part.
State the non-alloy steel grade, cold-drawn delivery condition, chemistry, mechanical properties and machining allowance. Ask for heat-linked inspection records and agree acceptable seams, drawing marks and surface corrosion. Confirm the mill can draw the required profile, and approve a sample against the intended fixture before releasing production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of cold-drawn non-alloy steel trapezoidal bars; illustrative order and values under 7215 50 19 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 50% is £10,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,000, so it is £6,000. Import taxes total £16,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £10,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Profile: measure wide and narrow faces, height, flank angles and corner radii against the drawing at positions along sampled bars.
Straightness and fit: check bow, twist, cut length and burrs; try sampled bars in the agreed mating fixture.
Material records: match bundle tags and heat numbers to the mill certificate, grade, chemistry and mechanical test results.
Surface and packing: inspect for seams, scoring, rust and crushed corners; check corrosion protection, dry wrapping and support beneath bundles.
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What goes wrong
A trapezoidal bar can meet its overall width and height yet fail to fit because the flank angle or corner radius differs from the drawing. Twist can stop a long bar seating in a guide, while drawing seams may appear during machining. Agree the measuring method and sample fit before manufacture.
Mixed heats and missing bundle tags weaken material traceability. Damp packing causes corrosion, and unsupported bundles can bend during handling. Match inspection records to the delivered bundles and record arrival damage before cutting stock. Use the quality inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
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 trapezoidal steel bars from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 50% on the relevant lines. Wider published guidance describes 0% within an eligible steel quota; ask your broker to confirm entitlement rather than assuming relief.
Which commodity code covers cold-drawn trapezoidal bars?
For non-free-cutting grades, check 7215 50 19 00 below 0.25% carbon and 7215 50 80 00 at or above it. Free-cutting steel has its own line. Confirm the grade and processing with your broker.
What dimensions should I give the Chinese mill?
Provide wide and narrow face widths, height, flank angles, corner radii, datum face, tolerances, straightness, twist and cut length. Include a mating fixture or agreed fit sample where useful.
Is a supplier declaration enough for steel sanctions checks?
Official guidance says supplier declarations may be acceptable, but importers should be prepared to provide further evidence retrospectively if required. Ask for heat-linked mill and supply-chain records.