Sourcing copper master alloys from China
Master alloys of copper from China, such as copper-phosphorus, copper-titanium, copper-chromium, copper-zirconium and copper-manganese used to add elements to copper and brass melts, pay 0% UK duty under the single code 7405 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Foundries check the alloying element content, uniformity, form and packing.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 7405 covers master alloys of copper. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The code carries the waste import control, answered by a not-waste declaration for new material.
Refined copper and ordinary alloy ingots are covered in our copper cathodes and alloy ingots guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master alloys of copper | 7405 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying master alloys
Specify the alloy system and nominal content with tolerance (for example phosphorus content in copper-phosphorus), impurity limits, form (waffle plate, shot, granules or rod), piece size, and packing. Ask for an assay per lot and check uniformity, because segregation in the ingot makes additions unpredictable.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2 tonnes of copper-phosphorus 14% master alloy under 7405 00 00 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,600, so it is £3,720. 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
Assay: test samples from several pieces for the alloying element.
Form: check piece size and cleanliness.
Packing: check drums and lot marks. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Master alloy orders fail on content and uniformity. The alloying element is below nominal, content varies between pieces, and oxidised surfaces add dross to the melt.
Cambridge China Bridge sources metals for UK foundries and recyclers with assay and weighing agreed before payment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on copper-phosphorus master alloy from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, copper master alloys under 7405 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
What is a master alloy?
A concentrated alloy used to add an element accurately to a molten metal.
Why does uniformity matter?
Segregated pieces add different amounts of the element, so melt chemistry drifts.
Are ordinary brass ingots in heading 7405?
No. Unwrought copper alloys are heading 7403.