Sourcing forged non-alloy steel bars from China
Forged non-alloy steel bars from China carry 0% UK duty across the forged lines, with no listed anti-dumping duty. Confirm that the bars are forged and obtain traceable steel-origin evidence, because restrictions on Russian steel processed abroad can apply. Cambridge China Bridge sources forged non-alloy steel bars.
Duty on forged non-alloy steel bars
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 7214 covers iron or non-alloy steel bars and rods not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, including those twisted after rolling. This guide covers the forged branch. The round, square and flat examples share the other-forged commodity line; they are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Goods from China under 7214 10 00 10 and 7214 10 00 90 carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no steel measure, anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. This tariff position does not replace separate sanctions checks.
Confirm the manufacturing route, chemistry and intended use before choosing the commodity code. See rebar and hot-rolled steel bars for the wider heading. Ask HMRC or your customs broker whether these forged bars fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism and when any obligations would apply; request supplier emissions data and consult the UK CBAM guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forged reinforcing bars, excluding high-fatigue bars and other long products | 7214 10 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other forged non-alloy steel bars, round | 7214 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the forging route and machining allowance
State the non-alloy steel grade and chemical composition, forged manufacturing route, section shape, dimensions, straightness and surface condition. Agree the delivery condition, heat treatment, hardness and mechanical properties needed for the finished component. Specify machining allowance so scale removal and defect removal do not leave the finished part undersize. Ask for heat-linked inspection certificates and agree ultrasonic testing where internal soundness matters.
Check the steel input's origin as well as the Chinese forging factory. UK sanctions prohibit imports of covered steel products processed abroad from covered Russian-origin steel, subject to applicable exceptions or licences. Be prepared to provide supply-chain documentation at the border. Use factory verification to check who makes the bars and whether the production records support the ordered route.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of forged non-alloy steel round bars under 7214 10 00 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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
Heat identity: match bar or bundle markings to the packing list and inspection certificate; check chemistry, delivery condition and mechanical results against the purchase specification.
Dimensions: measure section size, length, ovality where relevant and straightness; confirm sufficient material remains for machining.
Surface and soundness: inspect for forging laps, cracks, heavy scale and corrosion; review the agreed ultrasonic results against the acceptance criteria.
Arrival condition: check damaged ends, bent bars, loose strapping and mixed heats; photograph discrepancies before bundles are split. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A supplier describes ordinary rolled stock as forged, substitutes an alloy grade, or provides certificates that cannot be matched to the delivered heats. Surface laps and internal defects can emerge during machining, while excessive scale or insufficient machining allowance leaves too little usable material. Put the production route and acceptance criteria in the purchase order and inspect before dispatch.
Do not select the forged code solely because it carries 0% duty. Match the goods and production records to the declaration, and investigate gaps in steel-origin evidence before shipment. Budget for import VAT separately from customs duty using the UK duty and VAT guide.
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 forged non-alloy steel bars from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for 7214 10 00 10 and 7214 10 00 90, with no listed steel measure or trade remedy on either forged line.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Chinese forged steel bars?
No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed for the forged lines in the supplied record. Do not apply this answer to hot-rolled or high-fatigue reinforcing bars.
What documents should I ask the forging factory for?
Ask for heat-linked chemistry and mechanical results, the delivery and heat-treatment condition, forging records, agreed ultrasonic reports and steel-origin documentation.
How do I check whether steel bars are forged?
Ask for manufacturing records and verify the factory's forging equipment and process. Appearance alone does not establish the production route; match the records to the supplied heats.