Sourcing stainless vacuum hoses from China
Flexible stainless steel vacuum hoses from China carry 0% UK duty under the steel-tubing line, with no trade remedy recorded. Work equipment must be sold safe, so far as reasonably practicable. Specify vacuum performance, fittings and cleanliness. Cambridge China Bridge sources flexible stainless steel vacuum hoses.
Duty on flexible stainless steel vacuum hoses
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8307 covers flexible tubing of base metal, with or without fittings. Flexible stainless steel vacuum hoses fall within the iron-or-steel line considered here, 8307 10 00 90. The table shows product variants using that same line, rather than separate tariff subheadings.
The supplied record shows 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control recorded for this line. Import VAT is normally 20%. See the import duty and VAT guide for the calculation method.
Give your customs broker drawings, tube-material details and photographs of the complete assembly to confirm the commodity code. A rubber core with stainless steel braid is classified by its rubber core. For other products within this heading, see the flexible metal hoses guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible stainless steel vacuum tubing without fittings | 8307 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the vacuum duty and end connections
Specify stainless steel grade, bore, corrugated-tube construction, wall thickness, overall length and end-connection drawings. State the flange type, sealing-face dimensions, gasket material and whether clamps, centring rings or bolts are included. Define the installed bend radius, movement, support arrangement and whether the hose connects directly to a pump or chamber.
Agree operating vacuum, allowable leak rate, temperature, conveyed gases and cleaning method. State whether the hose will see positive pressure during purging or testing. HSE guidance says the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations cover equipment and assemblies with maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar. Check the intended pressure duty with testing and certification support.
Work equipment must be sold safe, so far as reasonably practicable. Ask for installation and handling instructions addressing twisting, bending and connection loads. Agree helium leak-test conditions, acceptance criteria, cleaning, end caps and packaging before approving a sample. Ask the factory to demonstrate its welding and leak-test process through factory verification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A trial batch of clamp-ended stainless steel vacuum hoses; order, FOB value and freight are illustrative under 8307 10 00 90, invoiced at £7,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,600, so it is £1,520. 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: compare bore, overall length, flange geometry and sealing faces with the approved drawing; trial-fit the actual mating connection.
Material and welds: compare material certificates with the order; inspect corrugations, welds and any braid for dents, cracks, loose wires and sharp edges.
Vacuum performance: review test records identifying the supplied assemblies; repeat the agreed leak test on arrival samples and check performance in the intended installation.
Cleanliness and packing: inspect internal surfaces for oil, particles and moisture; check protected sealing faces, fitted end caps and batch identification. Plan a shipment inspection.
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What goes wrong
A hose may fit the flange but leak at a weld or damaged sealing face. Thin or dented corrugations can deform under vacuum, while repeated movement or tight bends can crack the tube. Oil and particles left inside can contaminate the connected process. A pressure-test report alone does not establish the agreed vacuum leak performance.
Approve a sample in the intended connection arrangement and retain its drawings and test conditions. Resolve differences in flange geometry, cleaning and acceptance criteria before production. Match arrival test results to the supplied batch rather than accepting a report for a similar hose.
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 stainless steel vacuum hoses from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% under 8307 10 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded.
What should I specify for a flexible vacuum hose?
Specify material, bore, length, flange drawings, sealing materials, operating vacuum, leak acceptance criteria, temperature, bend radius and cleanliness.
Is a pressure test enough for a vacuum hose?
A pressure-test report alone does not establish vacuum leak performance. Agree a vacuum leak-test method and acceptance criteria, then check records against the supplied assemblies.
Do pressure-equipment rules apply to vacuum hoses?
HSE says the rules cover equipment and assemblies with maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar. Check the hose's intended duty, including any positive-pressure purging or testing.