Sourcing countersink bits from China
Countersink bits from China fall within heading 8207, whose supplied lines all carry 0% UK duty. Confirm the line against the tool's cutting function and working material. Products supplied for use at work must be safe, so far as reasonably practicable, with adequate safe-use information. Cambridge China Bridge sources countersink bits.
UK duty and classification
Heading 8207 covers interchangeable tools for hand tools and machine tools. Countersink bits cut tapered recesses for screw heads or chamfer hole edges. The table gives candidate other-interchangeable-tool lines, rather than a confirmed classification for every countersink. Combined drilling and countersinking tools need particular attention to their cutting function.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, all supplied lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for the table's candidate lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.
Provide the drawing, working-part material, intended workpiece and details of any pilot drill to confirm the commodity code. A mixed kit may be classified as a set or as separate items. See the drill bits and saw blades guide for the wider accessory range.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other interchangeable tools, cermet working part, for metal | 8207 90 71 00 | 0% | None |
| Other interchangeable tools, cermet working part, for other materials | 8207 90 78 00 | 0% | None |
| Other interchangeable tools, other working materials, for metal | 8207 90 91 00 | 0% | None |
| Other interchangeable tools, other working materials, for other uses | 8207 90 99 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the screw seat and cutting geometry
Specify the screw-head profile, included cutting angle, cutting diameter, shank shape and dimensions, flute arrangement and intended workpiece material. Distinguish a plain countersink from a combined drill and countersink, and a tapered recess from a flat-bottomed counterbore. For adjustable pilot designs, agree pilot fit, projection and locking method.
Agree the steel or carbide grade, heat treatment, hardness, coating and acceptable runout. Test samples in the intended material with the intended screw: its head should seat evenly at the agreed depth without a ragged rim or chatter marks.
For supply for use at work, the bits must be safe so far as reasonably practicable and accompanied by adequate information for safe use. Businesses importing or selling consumer products are also responsible for their safety. Agree operating guidance covering compatible tools, workpiece materials and secure clamping.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative assorted metalworking countersink bits for a trade stock order under 8207 90 91 00, invoiced at £35,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £37,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £37,000, so it is £7,400. 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
Geometry: measure cutting angle, diameter, shank dimensions and runout against the drawing; check the recess with the intended screw.
Material: compare material certificates with the agreed grade, check sample hardness and inspect cutting edges for chips and grinding burns.
Cutting trial: test in the agreed workpiece material and compare chatter, burrs, finish and edge wear with the approved sample.
Packs and pilots: check size markings, secure pilot adjustment, case contents and edge protection on arrival. Use the agreed inspection procedure.
What goes wrong
An incorrect cutting angle leaves the screw head touching only part of the recess. Unequal flute grinding or excessive runout produces chatter and an uneven seat. Soft edges lose sharpness; brittle edges chip. A coating can conceal poor grinding, so compare cutting performance rather than appearance alone.
Pilot drills can slip when locking screws or mating surfaces are poorly made. Mixed sets arrive with duplicated sizes or labels that do not match the bits. Keep the approved drawing and sample available for shipment checks, then repeat the screw-seating trial on arrival.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on countersink bits from China?
The supplied heading 8207 lines carry 0% duty for China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the exact line for the bit's function and working-part material.
Which countersink angle should I order?
Match the cutting angle to the intended screw-head profile. Specify the screw and test whether its head seats evenly in the finished recess.
How do I check countersink bits for chatter?
Run a cutting trial in the intended material using the agreed tool setup. Compare the recess finish with the approved sample and measure shank and cutting-edge runout.
Can I order countersinks with replaceable pilot drills?
Yes. Specify pilot diameter, projection, replacement fit and locking method. Check that adjustment stays secure during the agreed cutting trial.