Sourcing exothermic feeder sleeves from China
Exothermic foundry feeder sleeves classified as foundry auxiliaries carry 6% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy in the supplied tariff snapshot. If supplied as a chemical mixture, hazard classification is the importer's responsibility. Cambridge China Bridge sources exothermic foundry feeder sleeves.
6% duty for sleeves classified as foundry auxiliaries
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3824 covers prepared foundry binders and other specified chemical preparations. The relevant foundry-auxiliary line, 3824 99 65 00, carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. The table shows sleeve variants under this shared candidate code, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The tariff attaches an import waste control. If a consignment from China is waste subject to notification, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in China for consent. Confirm applicability with your customs broker before shipping. The snapshot also lists export controls concerning dangerous chemicals, waste, and goods for torture and repression; ask the broker to assess these before any onward export.
Send the composition, manufacturing description, drawing and intended foundry use to your broker to confirm the commodity code. Do not select it from the sleeve shape alone. For the wider product family, see foundry exothermic powder blends.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open exothermic feeder sleeves, subject to classification | 3824 99 65 00 | 6% | None |
Specify sleeve geometry and heating performance
State the casting alloy, moulding process, pouring conditions and feeder position. Supply a drawing covering internal and external dimensions, height, taper, wall thickness, neck opening and seating features. Identify whether the sleeve is open or blind, and agree dimensional tolerances and handling strength.
Ask for the formulation description, sleeve mass, density, moisture specification, ignition behaviour and heat-release test method. Agree how the factory measures these properties and approves formulation changes. Trial samples in your own casting process, examining feeding performance, shrinkage, inclusions and removal after casting.
Have a chemicals adviser assess the formulation and product form. If supplied as a chemical mixture, the importer is responsible for hazard classification, and the supply chain must ensure correct labelling and packaging before sale in Great Britain. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 600 open exothermic feeder sleeves under 3824 99 65 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 6% is £216. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,816, so it is £763.20. Import taxes total £979.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £216 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Geometry: measure sleeve openings, height, wall thickness and seating features against the approved drawing; check fit in the intended mould.
Condition: check for cracks, chipped rims, loose material, dampness and crushed cartons; compare sleeve mass and handling strength with the approved sample.
Performance: review batch heating and moisture results against the agreed methods; retain samples and arrange a controlled casting trial before production release.
Traceability: match carton identification, formulation revision and batch test records; check safety information, labels and packaging against the product assessment. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
A sleeve can match the outside dimensions but have a different bore, neck or wall thickness. It may fit poorly, break during mould preparation or give a different feeding result. Changes in formulation, density or moisture can also make an approved sample a poor guide to the delivered batch.
Agree acceptance criteria before ordering and compare arrival samples with retained factory samples. Quarantine damp, damaged or unidentified stock while the supplier investigates. Treat a change of formulation or manufacturing site as a reason to repeat the casting trial.
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 exothermic feeder sleeves from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot records 6% for foundry auxiliaries under 3824 99 65 00, with no trade remedy or suspension. Confirm that this code fits the sleeve's composition and use.
Do open and blind feeder sleeves have different commodity codes?
The supplied facts do not provide separate sleeve-shape codes. The table uses the same candidate foundry-auxiliary code; ask your broker to confirm classification from the actual product.
Do exothermic feeder sleeves need a safety data sheet?
Have the formulation and product form assessed. If the product is a hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use, a safety data sheet is required.
How should I approve a Chinese feeder sleeve supplier?
Check dimensional and batch test records, agree formulation change control, and trial samples in your own moulding and casting process before releasing production stock.