Sourcing ECCS sheet from China
Electrolytic chromium-coated steel sheet from China carries 50% listed UK duty on the selected lines. The core lines also carry 49.98% residual anti-dumping duty, with a named-producer rate of 27.85%. Match the coating and processing to the commodity code. Cambridge China Bridge sources electrolytic chromium-coated steel sheet.
Duty on chromium-coated steel sheet
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 19 October 2026, heading 7210 covers coated flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel of a width of 600 mm or more. This guide covers electrolytic chromium-coated steel sheet, including varnished variants. For other coatings, see coated steel sheet and tinplate.
The selected lines list 50% third-country duty. The bare chromium-coated lines and varnished line 7210 70 10 91 list 49.98% residual anti-dumping duty; 7210 70 10 95 lists none. No suspension or separate steel measure is recorded for these lines. A named producer can qualify for 27.85% anti-dumping duty with the required invoice declaration. The snapshot attaches anti-dumping or countervailing registration, but the definitive notice removes registration; ask your customs broker to reconcile this before declaration.
Confirm the commodity code using the mill certificate, width, coating composition, varnish and extent of processing. Distinguish chromium-coated material from tinplate and electrolytically zinc-coated steel. Use the supplied tariff snapshot for budgeting and recheck the live line before shipping.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chromium-coated steel, surface-treated only or simply cut to non-rectangular shapes | 7210 50 00 10 | 50% | 49.98% residual anti-dumping |
| Chromium or chromium oxide coated steel, other | 7210 50 00 90 | 50% | 49.98% residual anti-dumping |
| Varnished chromium-coated steel, surface-treated only or simply cut | 7210 70 10 91 | 50% | 49.98% residual anti-dumping |
| Varnished chromium-coated steel, other worked products | 7210 70 10 95 | 50% | None |
Specify the substrate, chromium layer and lacquer
Specify steel grade, temper, thickness, width, flatness and tolerances. State whether you need cut sheets or coils, and agree coil dimensions, sheet dimensions and edge condition. Specify metallic chromium and chromium oxide coating separately, with agreed test methods and acceptance criteria.
For lacquered sheet, agree the lacquer system, coated faces, finish and curing condition. Trial the material through your forming and coating process, checking adhesion after forming. For food-contact applications, materials must be demonstrably safe for their application and must not adversely affect food or drink. Ask for supporting evidence covering the intended finished coating and use conditions.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of electrolytic chromium-coated steel sheet under 7210 50 00 10, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 50% is £10,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,000, so it is £6,000. Import taxes total £16,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £10,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Traceability: match sheet bundles or coil labels to mill certificates, grade, temper and coating results.
Dimensions: measure thickness and width, check flatness and squareness, and inspect cut edges for burrs.
Surface: inspect for scratches, bare patches, rust and staining; check lacquer coverage and adhesion against the agreed sample.
Packing: check moisture protection, straps, edge protection and bundle identification; photograph wet wrapping or damaged corners before unpacking.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A supplier quotes chromium-coated sheet but ships a different substrate or lacquer system. The material then cracks during forming, loses lacquer adhesion or produces inconsistent finishes. Approve a production-representative sample and keep the agreed specification linked to each batch.
Duty disputes arise when varnished material is declared as bare sheet or a lower named-producer rate is budgeted without the required declaration. Damp packing also leaves rust or staining hidden inside bundles. Check documents before dispatch and record arrival defects using the inspection guide.
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 chromium-coated steel sheet from China?
The selected lines list 50% duty. Core chromium-coated lines and varnished line 7210 70 10 91 also list 49.98% residual anti-dumping duty; line 7210 70 10 95 lists no anti-dumping duty.
Can a Chinese mill qualify for a lower anti-dumping rate?
A named producer can qualify for 27.85% with the required invoice declaration. Confirm the producer and documents with your customs broker before budgeting that rate.
What should I specify for lacquered chromium-coated sheet?
Specify substrate grade and temper, dimensions, chromium coating, lacquer system, coated faces and curing condition. Approve adhesion and forming results on a representative sample.
Can I use chromium-coated sheet for food packaging?
Food-contact materials must be demonstrably safe for their application and must not adversely affect food or drink. Ask for evidence covering the finished coating and intended use conditions.