Sourcing copper matte and cement copper from China
Copper mattes and cement copper (precipitated copper) from China pay 0% UK duty under the single code 7401 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. These are intermediate products for copper smelters and refiners, priced on copper content by assay, so buyers agree sampling, the assay laboratory, and limits for arsenic, lead and other impurities.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, heading 7401 covers copper mattes and cement copper (precipitated copper). It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Blister copper and anodes are heading 7402, and copper waste and scrap heading 7404; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper mattes; cement copper (precipitated copper) | 7401 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Assay and specification
Specify copper content, sulphur, iron, precious metal credits if payable, and limits for arsenic, lead, bismuth and other penalty elements, plus moisture and particle size. Agree the assay laboratory, sampling at loading and discharge, and the umpire arrangement in the contract.
Matte and cement copper can carry hazard classifications depending on composition, so ask for a safety data sheet and check GB CLP labelling for the lot.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 100 tonnes of copper matte under 7401 00 00 00, invoiced at £400,000 free on board, with £8,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £408,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £408,000, so it is £81,600. 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
Sampling: agree and witness sampling.
Assay: check copper and penalty elements.
Moisture: check against the contract. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Copper matte orders fail on assay and impurities. Copper content is below the contract, penalty elements exceed limits, and moisture adds weight that is not metal.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on copper matte from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, copper matte under 7401 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
What is cement copper?
Copper precipitated from solution, usually onto iron, and sold for refining.
How is copper matte priced?
On copper content by agreed assay, with penalties for impurities and deductions for moisture.
Is blister copper in heading 7401?
No. Blister copper and anodes are heading 7402.