Sourcing crane rails from China
UK duty across crane rails and related fittings ranges from 0% to 50% in the supplied tariff snapshot. Other new rails carry 50%; used rails and fittings carry 0%. Lifting equipment must have adequate strength and stability, so agree the runway specification before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources crane rails.
Duty on crane rails and matching fittings
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7302 covers steel rails and specialised materials for joining or fixing them. New crane rails fall within other new rails, 7302 10 50 00. Used rails, fish-plates, sole plates and other specialised fixings have separate lines. See the rails and track fittings guide for the wider heading.
The supplied snapshot records 50% duty for other new rails and 0% for used rails and the fittings listed here. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The wider published guide describes steel quota relief, but this snapshot does not record it. Ask your customs broker to confirm any available relief before relying on a lower rate.
Confirm the commodity code using the rail profile, whether it is new or used, and the description of each fitting. Classify accompanying plates and clips separately where appropriate rather than declaring the whole order as crane rail.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other new rails, including crane rails | 7302 10 50 00 | 50% | None |
| Used rails | 7302 10 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Fish-plates and sole plates for rail joints and supports | 7302 40 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other specialised rail fixings, including clips and chairs | 7302 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the crane wheel and rail interface
Send the supplier a dimensioned rail cross-section and the crane wheel information. Agree head width, head shape, rail height, foot width, steel grade, hardness, heat treatment, length and straightness tolerances. Have the runway designer check the proposed profile and supporting arrangement against the intended crane duty.
Specify joint details, end drilling, hole positions, matching fish-plates, sole plates and clips. Agree the inspection certificate type and request mill records for chemistry, hardness and straightness. Lifting equipment must have adequate strength and stability. Use that requirement when agreeing the installed system with the designer; factory verification can help check the mill's production and document capability.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 300 metres of new crane rail for a workshop runway under 7302 10 50 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £22,000. Duty at 50% is £11,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £33,000, so it is £6,600. Import taxes total £17,600; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £11,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Profile and geometry: measure the head, web and foot against the approved drawing; check straightness, twist, end squareness and drilled hole positions before loading and on arrival.
Steel and traceability: match rail markings and heat numbers to mill certificates; compare chemistry, hardness and heat treatment records with the purchase specification.
Joints and fixings: trial-fit fish-plates and clips to the ordered rail; check hole alignment, seating and compatibility with the agreed sole plates.
Surface and handling: check for cracks, laps, seams, heavy corrosion and bent ends; photograph damage and keep affected lengths separate pending review. Use the quality inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A rail sold under a familiar profile name can still have dimensions that do not match the crane wheels or existing clips. Wrong hardness, misplaced joint holes and poorly matched fish-plates can also leave the installation team unable to use the delivered batch. Approve drawings and a trial assembly before bulk production.
Long rails can bend during loading or unloading, while certificates may lose their connection to individual heat numbers. Agree lifting and packing arrangements, preserve bundle identification and repeat geometry checks on arrival. Budget using the recorded duty unless your broker confirms relief for the actual declaration.
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 crane rails from China?
The supplied snapshot records 50% for other new rails, including crane rails, and 0% for used rails and the listed fittings. Ask your broker to confirm any quota relief for the actual shipment.
Which commodity code covers new crane rails?
The wider published guide places crane rails under 7302 10 50 00, other new rails. Confirm the classification against the actual profile and condition; plates and clips have separate lines.
What should I send a Chinese crane rail supplier?
Send the rail cross-section, crane wheel details, steel grade, hardness, lengths, tolerances, joint drawings and fixing details. Agree the mill certificate and inspection records before placing the order.
What should I check when crane rails arrive?
Check profile dimensions, straightness, twist, end damage, joint holes and fitting compatibility. Match heat numbers to mill certificates and separate damaged or unidentified lengths for review.