Sourcing copper capillaries from China
Copper refrigeration capillary tubes from China carry 4% UK duty across the listed tube lines. Check whether the supplied product falls within pressure equipment rules, and approve bore, cut length and flow performance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources copper refrigeration capillary tubes.
UK duty on copper refrigeration capillary tubes
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 24 October 2026, heading 7411 covers copper tubes and pipes. Every listed line carries 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
Refined copper capillaries may be supplied straight or coiled. The level wound coil line specifies tube that is not further processed; confirm the treatment of cut or formed goods rather than selecting that line from appearance alone. The other copper alloy row applies only where the actual material matches that description.
Give your broker the material certificate, drawing, supply form and processing details to confirm the commodity code. See the wider copper tubes and pipes guide for other products within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight refined copper capillary tube | 7411 10 10 00 | 4% | None |
| Refined copper tube in level wound coils, not further processed | 7411 10 90 10 | 4% | None |
| Other refined copper tube, including other coil forms | 7411 10 90 90 | 4% | None |
| Other copper alloy tube, only where the specified material is an alloy | 7411 29 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify bore, length and flow together
Specify copper grade, temper, internal and external diameter, wall thickness, tolerances, cut length and coil form. Identify the intended refrigerant and operating conditions. Agree a flow test method, acceptance limits and an approved sample with the refrigeration designer; matching outside diameter alone does not establish equivalent flow.
Define internal cleanliness, dryness, sealed ends and the condition of cut edges. Ask the factory to record the batch and test results against your drawing. Agree packing that protects the bore and prevents flattened coils.
Pressure equipment rules regulate design, manufacture and conformity assessment where maximum allowable pressure exceeds 0.5 bar. HSE defines piping as components intended to transport fluids when connected into a pressure system. Establish how the supplied capillary product is treated before selling it in Great Britain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of cut copper refrigeration capillary lengths under 7411 10 10 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,500. Duty at 4% is £260. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,760, so it is £1,352. Import taxes total £1,612; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £260 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: check bore, outside diameter, wall thickness and cut length against the drawing; inspect ends for burrs and deformation.
Flow: test samples using the agreed method and compare results with the approved sample and acceptance limits.
Material and forming: match grade and temper to the mill certificate; bend samples to the intended shape and inspect for cracks or flattening.
Cleanliness and packing: check for internal residue, moisture, missing end protection and crushed coils. Record findings using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A capillary can match the outside diameter yet have the wrong bore or length. Burrs, drawing residue and flattened bends can restrict the passage, while unsuitable temper can cause cracking during forming. Compare flow results as well as dimensions before accepting a substitute.
Do not approve bulk supply solely from a catalogue description or an unrelated tube certificate. Keep the approved sample, drawing and test method tied to the order, and investigate batch differences before fitting the tubes into refrigeration equipment.
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 copper refrigeration capillary tubes from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 4% duty across all listed lines of heading 7411, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code covers copper capillary coils?
Check the material, winding form and processing. The refined copper level wound coil line is 7411 10 90 10 and specifies tube that is not further processed.
Can I order by outside diameter alone?
Specify bore, wall thickness, length and temper too. Agree flow testing with the refrigeration designer and compare samples with the approved reference.
Do pressure equipment rules apply to capillary tubes?
Check the supplied product and intended use. The rules cover pressure equipment above 0.5 bar; HSE includes components transporting fluids when connected into a pressure system within piping.