Sourcing copper rivets from China

Copper rivets: zero import duty

Heading 7415 covers copper fasteners, including rivets. Copper rivets fall within the non-threaded other articles line, 7415 29 00 00. The table shows alternative rivet forms within that same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, the supplied data shows 0% duty for goods from China under this line. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the material and construction, particularly for plated steel or mixed-material rivets. For the surrounding product family, see copper and brass fasteners.

Specify the copper and the finished joint

State the copper grade and temper, solid or semi-tubular construction, shank diameter, length beneath the head, head profile and dimensions. For semi-tubular rivets, include bore diameter and depth. Supply a drawing with tolerances and identify the surface finish.

Describe the materials being joined, their combined thickness, hole preparation and setting tool. Approve a sample installed in the actual assembly, checking the formed tail, head seating and joint movement. Ask for material records linked to the production batch.

If selling rivets as consumer products, do not sell products you know, or should have known, are unsafe. Assess sharp edges and foreseeable use. For copper alloy variants that children may handle, confirm with the relevant authority whether UK REACH restrictions on lead apply and ask the supplier for supporting material information, as explained in the wider fasteners guide.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of solid copper rivets under 7415 29 00 00, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £22,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £22,900, so it is £4,580. 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

Material: compare the batch certificate with the ordered copper grade and arrange composition analysis; cut a sample to check for a plated steel core.

Dimensions: measure shank diameter, length beneath the head and head profile against the drawing; check bore dimensions on semi-tubular rivets.

Setting: install samples with the intended tool and joint materials; inspect for split tails, cracked heads, loose joints and damage around the hole.

Packing: check for burrs, bent shanks, mixed lengths and moisture staining; reconcile carton contents with the packing list. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A copper-coloured finish can conceal a different material. Rivets that are too hard may split during setting; unsuitable shank length leaves too little material to form the tail or produces a poorly seated joint. An incorrect semi-tubular bore can change how the tail forms.

Treat an attractive loose sample as the start of approval. Compare production samples with the approved drawing and repeat the setting trial on your assembly. Keep suspect batches separate while the supplier investigates material, dimensions or temper.

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.