Sourcing embossed aluminium sheets from China
Embossed aluminium sheets from China normally carry 6% UK duty; qualifying balcony-part sheet lines have a 0% suspension. Classification depends on alloy, thickness, coating and form. Specify the metal thickness separately from the embossed relief, and approve a texture sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources embossed aluminium sheets.
UK duty on embossed aluminium sheets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7606 covers aluminium plates, sheets and strip exceeding 0.2 mm thick. This guide focuses on stucco and decorative embossed sheets. The table gives candidate lines for unbacked, uncoated rectangular alloy sheets, subject to confirmation of the actual goods.
The listed lines carry 6% ordinary duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or attached import controls recorded. Codes 7606 12 92 93 and 7606 12 93 86 have a 0% suspension limited to qualifying sheet for manufacturing balcony parts. Embossing alone does not establish eligibility. Other heading lines have separate specified-use suspensions.
Confirm alloy, thickness, coating, backing, form and intended use with your broker through finding your commodity code. See the wider aluminium sheet guide for other products. The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism comes into effect on 1 January 2027. Confirm scope with HMRC or your broker and ask the factory about emissions information before ordering for imports from that date.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unbacked rectangular alloy sheet, under 3 mm, cut to length | 7606 12 92 93 | 6% | None |
| Other unbacked rectangular alloy sheet, under 3 mm | 7606 12 92 94 | 6% | None |
| Unbacked rectangular alloy sheet, 3 mm to under 6 mm, cut to length | 7606 12 93 86 | 6% | None |
| Other unbacked rectangular alloy sheet, 3 mm to under 6 mm | 7606 12 93 87 | 6% | None |
Texture, metal thickness and forming
Specify alloy, temper, sheet dimensions, metal thickness, embossing depth, pattern spacing, flatness and finish. State whether the thickness quoted includes the raised texture. Agree a measurement method that distinguishes the metal gauge from the overall relief, and keep an approved physical sample rather than relying only on photographs.
For decorative linings, agree the visible face, texture direction and acceptable appearance under the intended lighting. For folded covers or casings, trial the actual bend and fixing details: embossing can distort near a fold. Specify coating type where applicable, and test protective-film removal on the textured surface.
For sheets supplied as construction products in Great Britain, CE marking remains recognised. Ask a compliance adviser to confirm the applicable conformity documents for the intended product before ordering. Include the intended application when requesting testing and certification support.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of unbacked rectangular embossed aluminium alloy sheet for a small fabrication business; FOB and freight values are illustrative whole pounds. under 7606 12 93 87, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,000. Duty at 6% is £2,400. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £42,400, so it is £8,480. Import taxes total £10,880; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,400 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material and gauge: match mill certificates and batch labels to the ordered alloy and temper; measure metal thickness using the agreed method.
Texture and dimensions: compare production sheets with the approved sample; check relief consistency, pattern direction, length, width, squareness and flatness.
Surface and forming: inspect for flattened embossing, scratches, oil residue and sharp burrs; trial bending and film removal on production samples.
Packing and arrival: check dry interleaving, edge protection and supported stacks; photograph water staining, crushed corners and face damage during quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
An overall thickness measurement across the texture can conceal thinner metal than the buyer expected. A photograph can also hide a different embossing depth or irregular pattern. Put the gauge measurement method and approved texture sample into the order, and compare them with production before shipment.
Uneven embossing can leave sheets bowed, while substituted temper can change bending behaviour. Trapped moisture leaves staining between stacked sheets, and tight packing can flatten the relief. Check flatness after unpacking and agree dry separation and edge protection before dispatch.
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 embossed aluminium sheets from China?
The listed candidate lines carry 6% ordinary duty. Qualifying balcony-part sheet under specified lines has a 0% suspension. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded for these lines.
Does embossed aluminium sheet thickness include the texture?
Supplier descriptions can differ. Specify metal thickness and embossing depth separately, and agree a measurement method before approving the order.
Can embossed aluminium sheets be folded?
Trial the ordered alloy, temper and texture with the intended bend and fixing details. Check for cracking, distortion and damage to the visible pattern on production samples.
Do embossed aluminium sheets need CE marking?
For construction products in Great Britain, CE marking remains recognised. Confirm the requirements for the intended product with a compliance adviser; the embossed finish alone does not answer the question.