Sector guides

Sourcing dolomite refractory bricks from China

Dolomite refractory bricks from China carry 0% UK duty under the relevant heading 6902 line, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Classification follows chemical composition; waste shipments need separate checks. Specify calcium and magnesium oxide content and dry packing. Cambridge China Bridge sources dolomite refractory bricks.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-27

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Zero duty and composition-based classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6902 covers refractory ceramic bricks, blocks, tiles and similar constructional goods, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar earths. Dolomite refractory bricks fall under 6902 10 00 00 when magnesium, calcium or chromium, expressed as their oxides, singly or together exceed 50% by weight. The table shows shape variants under this same commodity line.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China, no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. It attaches an import waste control and records export waste and cultural-object licence controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste. For notified waste imports into England, the exporter applies through the dispatch country's competent authority; shipment starts after the Environment Agency and other authorities consent. Confirm the applicable waste procedure with your customs broker before buying used furnace lining.

The cultural-object licence entry concerns exports; confirm any relevant export declaration or waiver with your broker. Confirm the commodity code using batch chemical analysis and the product description. For wider heading coverage, see magnesia refractory bricks. Import VAT is separate from duty; see UK import duty and VAT.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Dolomite refractory straight bricks meeting the oxide-content threshold6902 10 00 000%None

Specify dolomite chemistry and furnace service

Specify calcium oxide and magnesium oxide content, impurity limits, whether the bricks are fired or otherwise bonded, and any carbon or protective treatment. Give the furnace designer the slag chemistry, operating conditions and heating cycle so the proposed grade can be checked for the intended lining.

Agree drawings, dimensional tolerances, bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, refractoriness under load and permanent dimensional change on heating. Require batch results against the agreed data sheet rather than a generic catalogue. Specify sealed moisture-resistant packing, batch identification and dry storage instructions.

Plan dust controls before cutting or grinding. Where the work creates substances that could harm health, employers must control workers' exposure. Consider ordering the required shapes to reduce site cutting.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container order of dolomite refractory straight bricks under 6902 10 00 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,000, so it is £3,400. 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

Chemistry: compare batch calcium oxide, magnesium oxide and impurity results with the purchase specification; retain samples for independent verification.

Performance: check density, porosity, crushing strength and behaviour under load against the agreed test methods and data sheet.

Shape: measure dimensions and warpage against the lining drawing; check working faces, edges and corners for cracks and chips.

Packing: check seals, moisture barriers, pallet condition and batch labels; isolate damp, powdering or cracked bricks for assessment before installation.

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What goes wrong

Dolomite bricks are vulnerable to moisture damage. Damp transport or storage can leave bricks cracked or powdering before installation. Treat damaged moisture barriers as a reason to inspect the contents, and agree how the supplier will assess suspect stock.

An unsuitable grade can wear rapidly against the intended slag, while inconsistent dimensions create uneven joints. Poor thermal shock performance can cause spalling during heating cycles. Check composition, batch properties and packing before dispatch, using an agreed quality inspection plan.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK import duty on dolomite refractory bricks from China?

The supplied tariff record shows 0% for 6902 10 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the bricks meet its chemical-composition threshold.

Are dolomite bricks classified by shape or chemistry?

Chemistry determines the relevant tariff line. Straight, wedge and shaped dolomite bricks can share 6902 10 00 00 when they meet its oxide-content threshold.

How should dolomite refractory bricks be packed?

Agree sealed moisture-resistant packing, protected edges and clear batch labels. Check for torn barriers, dampness, powdering and cracks on arrival, then store the bricks dry.

Can I import used dolomite furnace bricks from China?

Check whether the material is waste before ordering. The tariff attaches an import waste control; ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable procedure and approvals for the shipment.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Waste: export and import
  3. How to carry out a COSHH risk assessment
  4. Exporting or importing objects of cultural interest

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