Sourcing EPDM glazing gaskets from China

Normally 2% duty on glazing gaskets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 4016 covers articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. Solid glazing gaskets are candidates for 4016 93 00 90; cellular rubber seals need a separate classification check. The table repeats the solid-gasket line for different glazing profiles.

The listed lines carry 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures or attached import controls in the supplied facts. A 0% suspension under 4016 93 00 90 applies only to the specified rectangular EPDM gasket, subject to its dimensions, mould-split outflow and exclusions. Do not assume an ordinary glazing strip qualifies. The specialised rectangular line 4016 93 00 30 carries 2%.

Give your broker the section drawing, material, cellular or solid construction and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For other products within this heading, see inflatable elastomeric seals.

Specify the profile and glazing system

Specify the EPDM compound, colour, hardness range, section drawing and tolerances. Identify the frame groove, glass thickness, sealing lip, retaining foot and intended compression. Agree whether supply is coiled strip, cut lengths or joined frames, with joint construction and packing recorded against an approved sample.

Ask for compression recovery, weathering and compatibility results relevant to the intended glazing system. Trial the gasket with the actual frame, glass and adjacent sealant. Check the construction-product assessment route for the intended use rather than treating a supplier's marking claim as proof of suitability.

For supply in Great Britain, UK REACH requires safe-use information, including the substance name, when an article contains a Candidate List substance above 0.1% by weight and is supplied to a professional recipient. Obtain compound-specific information from the factory. Where CE marking has been legitimately affixed to a construction product, GOV.UK says it can continue to be supplied to the Great Britain market.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 3,000 metres of solid EPDM glazing gaskets under 4016 93 00 90, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 2% is £350. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,850, so it is £3,570. Import taxes total £3,920; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £350 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Profile: measure the retaining foot, sealing lips and section against the approved drawing; check for twist and uneven extrusion.

Fit: install samples in the intended frame with the specified glass; check seating, lip contact and resistance to pulling out.

Compound: compare hardness and compression recovery with the agreed specification; match material reports to the supplied compound and batch.

Joints and packing: inspect corner bonds and cut ends for gaps; check coils for flattening and retain batch identification. Plan checks using our inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A profile can resemble the sample but have a retaining foot that slips out or a lip that folds during installation. Excessive stretching during fitting can leave gaps after relaxation. Weak corner joints, inconsistent hardness and flattened coils can also undermine sealing.

Approve samples in the intended glazing assembly before accepting production. A generic rubber report does not establish frame fit, compound identity or compatibility with the adjacent sealant. Record these acceptance checks before ordering.

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.