Ferro-alloys from China
Ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, silicomanganese, ferrochrome, ferronickel, ferromolybdenum, ferrotungsten, ferrovanadium, ferrosilicon-magnesium and other ferro-alloys from China pay 0% UK duty with no anti-dumping duty. Ferrosilicon of 30% to 90% silicon ships as UN 1408 because wet material gives off flammable and toxic gases. Cambridge China Bridge sources ferro-alloys.
Ferrosilicon, silicomanganese, ferrochrome and other ferro-alloys from China pay 0% UK duty. UN 1408, sampling and sizing checks and an example.
Zero duty across heading 7202
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, ferromanganese of either carbon range, ferrosilicon above and below 55% silicon, ferro-silico-manganese, ferrochromium, ferro-silico-chromium, ferronickel, ferromolybdenum, ferrotungsten, ferrotitanium, ferrovanadium, ferroniobium, ferrophosphorus and ferro-silico-magnesium carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Ferro-alloys are not among the steel products caught by the 2026 steel measure, and silicon metal, manganese metal and chromium metal are classified separately in chapters 28 and 81. Confirm the commodity code from the alloy's analysis. Our steel bars guide covers the steel side.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferromanganese, more than 2% carbon (other sizes) | 7202 11 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferromanganese, 2% carbon or less | 7202 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferrosilicon, more than 55% silicon | 7202 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other ferrosilicon | 7202 29 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferro-silico-manganese | 7202 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferrochromium, more than 6% carbon | 7202 41 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferronickel | 7202 60 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferromolybdenum | 7202 70 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferrotungsten | 7202 80 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferrovanadium | 7202 92 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Ferro-silico-magnesium | 7202 99 30 00 | 0% | None |
Grades, sampling and shipping
Ferro-alloys are bought on analysis and size: the main element, carbon, and limits on phosphorus, sulphur and aluminium, in a stated lump size such as 10 to 50 mm with limits on fines. Ferrosilicon is specified by ISO 5445 and ferromanganese by ISO 5446, and sampling and sample preparation follow ISO 3713, so agree whose laboratory result settles a dispute before the contract.
Ferrosilicon with 30% to 90% silicon is UN 1408, class 4.3 with a toxic subsidiary risk, because when wet it can give off hydrogen, phosphine and arsine; it must be shipped dry in approved packaging with the dangerous goods declaration. Other ferro-alloys usually travel as bulk or big-bag cargo, but fines and dust still need dry storage.
Worked duty example
Take a hypothetical order of 25 tonnes of ferrosilicon 75, sized 10 to 50 mm, entered under 7202 21 00 00: £30,000 free on board plus £2,500 of freight and insurance gives a customs value of £32,500. Ferrosilicon carry no duty, so import VAT of 20% on £32,500, £6,500, is the only tax. A VAT-registered importer normally reclaims it, so the border adds no lasting cost. Ferro-alloys are outside the 2026 steel measure, which applies to steel products rather than the alloying additions used to make steel. Step by step: UK import duty and VAT.
What goes wrong
Ferro-alloy disputes are about analysis and size. The main element comes in below the contract so the steelworks has to add more; phosphorus, aluminium or carbon run above the limits; lumps contain too many fines, which blow away or oxidise in the ladle; and material of a lower grade is mixed into big bags. Wet ferrosilicon containers can build up gas.
Sample each lot by the method of ISO 3713 at loading and on arrival, analyse at an independent laboratory against the contract limits, screen for size and fines, check big bags and container floors for moisture, and hold the final payment until the umpire analysis agrees with the certificate.
Cambridge China Bridge sources ferro-alloys for steelworks, foundries and alloy traders on a contract basis, with sampling and umpire analysis agreed up front. See our container programme service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on ferrosilicon from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, ferrosilicon and the other ferro-alloys of heading 7202 carried 0% from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Does the 2026 steel measure apply to ferro-alloys?
No. It applies to steel products, not to the ferro-alloys used as additions in steelmaking.
Why is ferrosilicon dangerous goods?
Ferrosilicon of 30% to 90% silicon is UN 1408 because when wet it can give off hydrogen, phosphine and arsine.
How are ferro-alloys sampled?
By the method of ISO 3713, with an agreed umpire laboratory for disputes.