Sourcing expanded graphite foil from China

UK duty on expanded graphite foil

Heading 6815 includes graphite and other carbon articles for non-electrical uses. For expanded graphite foil within that description, the relevant line is 6815 19 00 00. The table shows supply forms under the same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider carbon fibre and graphite guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 19 October 2026, the supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control for this line. Import VAT is separate from duty.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition, any reinforcement, drawings and intended use. Your import declaration must include the commodity code. Have the broker review reinforced laminates and finished sealing components separately rather than assuming the foil code applies.

Specify the foil and sealing conditions

Specify unreinforced foil or describe every reinforcement and adhesive layer. Agree thickness, density, width, supplied length or sheet dimensions, tolerances, carbon content and ash content. Request batch results using agreed test methods, rather than accepting a generic grade name.

Describe the fluid, operating temperature, pressure and joint design to the supplier. Agree application testing for compressibility, recovery and leakage where relevant. Write an asbestos-free requirement into the order and request competent laboratory testing for material intended for gaskets or heat-resistant parts.

REACH restrictions can limit, ban or impose conditions on placing substances on the market or using them. Ask for the composition of coatings, binders and adhesives so the material can be checked against applicable restrictions before sale.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 expanded graphite foil sheets, illustrative order under 6815 19 00 00, invoiced at £38,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £39,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £39,800, so it is £7,960. 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

Dimensions: check thickness across the width and along the supplied material, together with sheet dimensions or roll width, against the agreed tolerances.

Condition: inspect for holes, tears, creases, damaged edges and embedded contamination. Unroll sample material to check concealed damage.

Material: match batch identifiers to composition and density reports. Check that reinforcement and adhesive layers match the approved sample.

Packing: check flat support for sheets, protected roll edges and separation from contaminating materials. Record defects before cutting or use; see quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A sample can match the nominal thickness while bulk material varies across the roll. Density variation, tears and creases can undermine the intended seal. Retain an approved sample and compare incoming batches using the same measurement and application tests.

Substitution of reinforced material or an undisclosed binder changes what the buyer receives. Agree the complete construction before ordering and investigate unexplained changes in handling, weight or test results before releasing the batch.

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.