Sourcing copper and brass pipe fittings from China
Copper and brass pipe fittings from China, including couplings, elbows, tees and compression fittings, pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. For drinking water, the Water Fittings Regulations require fittings of appropriate quality and standard, so buyers expect a named standard, often WRAS approval. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Copper and brass tube fittings, such as couplings, elbows and tees, pay 0% UK duty from China. Water Fittings Regulations and DZR brass explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, copper tube or pipe fittings of refined copper and of copper alloys carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Brass taps and valves are in heading 8481 and are covered in the taps and valves guide; steel fittings are in the steel fittings guide. Confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fittings of refined copper | 7412 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Fittings of copper alloys, such as brass | 7412 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Water Fittings Regulations
In England and Wales regulation 4 of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 requires every water fitting to be of an appropriate quality and standard and suitable for the circumstances in which it is used. The duty falls on installers and users, which is why merchants ask for a named standard for copper fittings and often WRAS approval.
Brass and lead
For brass fittings, specify a dezincification-resistant alloy where water chemistry demands it, and cap the lead content. Ask for the alloy designation and a material test report for each batch, and check pressure ratings and solder ring or compression olive quality on samples.
Testing and inspection
Pressure-test samples, check wall thickness, bore and thread gauges, and the stamping on each fitting. At inspection, sample by size and check packing to avoid dented ends.
Cambridge China Bridge sources copper and brass fittings, with standards, alloy and approval evidence settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on copper fittings from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, copper tube and pipe fittings of refined copper or copper alloys carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Do copper fittings need WRAS approval?
The law requires fittings of appropriate quality and standard; WRAS approval is one common way to show it, and many merchants ask for it.
Why does brass alloy matter?
Water chemistry can dezincify ordinary brass, so specify a dezincification-resistant alloy where needed and cap lead content.
Are brass valves in heading 7412?
No. Taps and valves are in heading 8481.