Sourcing Ferrosilicon from China

Ferrosilicon duty and classification

Heading 7202 covers ferro-alloys. Ferrosilicon is divided by silicon content and, for a particular branch, magnesium content. The table also includes related ferro-silico-magnesium for foundry buyers; it has a separate commodity line. See the wider ferro-alloys guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, the listed ferrosilicon and ferro-silico-magnesium lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control for these lines. This does not replace chemical-supply or transport checks.

Confirm the commodity code using the actual alloy analysis, including silicon and magnesium, rather than the supplier's grade name alone. For the tax calculation, use our UK import duty and VAT guide.

Specify silicon analysis, lump size and dry shipping

Write the required silicon content and limits for aluminium, carbon, phosphorus and sulphur into the purchase specification. For magnesium-bearing material, specify magnesium separately. Agree lump size, permitted fines, lot identification and an independent laboratory to settle disputes. A grade name alone does not define the acceptance criteria.

Agree sampling and sample preparation using ISO 3713, and retain linked samples from loading and arrival. Ask for a batch analysis certificate that matches the bags supplied. Use factory verification to check whether the supplier makes the alloy or buys and blends material.

Ferrosilicon containing 30% to 90% silicon can release hydrogen, phosphine and arsine when wet. Confirm the dangerous-goods classification, packaging and declaration requirements for the actual material and transport route with the relevant transport authority or your customs broker, and agree dry shipping with the carrier. Before sale in Great Britain, substances and mixtures must be correctly labelled and packaged; check the proposed supply packaging separately from the transport arrangements.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of ferrosilicon, sized 10 to 50 mm under 7202 21 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,500, so it is £6,500. 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

Analysis: compare independent lot results with the agreed silicon and impurity limits, including magnesium where specified.

Size: screen a representative sample against the agreed lump range and fines allowance; inspect for mixed grades.

Traceability: match bag identifiers, sample records, packing list and analysis certificates to the same production lot.

Condition: check bags and container floors for moisture, damage and contamination, and compare labels and packaging with the agreed chemical-supply and transport arrangements.

What goes wrong

A certificate can describe a sample that does not represent the shipment. Mixed grades, low silicon, excess aluminium or phosphorus, and too many fines can make the delivery unsuitable for the buyer's melt practice. Agree representative sampling and the dispute laboratory before committing to the order.

Moisture is a safety issue as well as a quality defect: wet ferrosilicon can generate gas inside the container. Agree dry loading, suitable packaging and an arrival procedure with the carrier and receiving site 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.