Sourcing forklift leaf chains from China

Duty on forklift leaf chains

Heading 7315 covers iron or steel chain and its parts. Forklift leaf chain is the focus here: articulated plates and pins used in the mast lifting mechanism. The table separates supply forms sharing a commodity code; it does not imply separate tariff classifications for each length or component.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, all lines in heading 7315 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

Use the chain drawing, construction and separate-parts description to confirm the commodity code before shipment. Complete leaf chains are candidates for the other articulated-chain line; separately supplied plates and pins need their own classification check. For the wider heading, see industrial roller chains.

Specify the mast chain and its end connections

Give the factory the truck and mast identification, original chain reference and an approved drawing. Agree pitch, plate thickness and profile, plate arrangement, pin diameter, overall width, finished length and end-link configuration. Confirm compatibility with the mast sheaves and anchor connections rather than buying by chain width alone.

Specify material, heat treatment, lubrication, corrosion protection and the test methods and acceptance criteria. Agree how matched chain lengths will be measured under load. Ask for batch-linked material, proof-load and breaking-load records, with samples representing the chain being supplied.

Confirm with the relevant authority which machinery supply requirements apply to chains designed for lifting as part of machinery, including whether a declaration of conformity, maker identification and working load limit are required. Use the site's steel-chain guide as a starting point. Agree the document review through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative distributor order: 12 tonnes of forklift leaf chain under 7315 12 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,400, so it is £4,680. 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: measure pitch over an agreed length, plate thickness, pin diameter, overall width and finished length against the approved drawing.

Articulation: check for stiff joints, damaged pin ends, loose plates, burrs and interference at the agreed end connections.

Batch evidence: match chain identification to material and load-test records; check that the tested construction matches the delivered plate arrangement.

Packing: check lubrication, dry protective packaging, rust and separation of matched lengths. Record defects before releasing stock for fitting.

What goes wrong

A chain can resemble the original while having a different plate arrangement, pin fit or end-link configuration. It may bind at the sheave or fail to fit the anchor. Unequal lengths can prevent correct adjustment of a matched set. Keep the approved drawing and reference sample available during inspection.

Poor heat treatment, damaged plates and stiff joints can undermine the agreed performance. A generic test report does not establish the quality of the delivered batch. Keep suspect stock out of installation pending review. Routine maintenance inspections are not a statutory thorough examination of the lift truck.

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.