Sourcing silica sputtering targets from China
Fused silica sputtering targets classified in heading 7020 carry 0% UK duty from China, with no duty variation in the supplied tariff lines. Workplace supply requires safe-use information and necessary testing or examination. Agree purity, geometry and backing before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources fused silica sputtering targets.
Zero duty for the relevant fused silica line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7020 covers other articles of glass. Its line 7020 00 10 90 describes other articles of fused quartz or fused silica. The table repeats that line for different unmounted target forms; these are purchasing variants, not separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider glass articles guide for the rest of the heading.
The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspension. It attaches import and export controls on cat and dog fur. Official guidance bans imports and exports of that fur and products made from it, including imports from China. Ask your broker to confirm the declaration treatment for a target containing no fur. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code against the material, drawing and condition as imported. Describe any metal backing plate, bonding layer or assembled holder separately so the broker can assess the complete article rather than assuming the unmounted-glass classification.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unmounted circular fused silica sputtering targets | 7020 00 10 90 | 0% | None |
Fused silica target and backing specification
Specify fused silica material, purity, metallic impurity limits, hydroxyl content and acceptable bubbles or inclusions. Request a batch material certificate and agree which properties need independent verification. Define diameter or length and width, thickness, flatness, parallelism, edge chamfer and surface finish on an approved drawing.
State whether the purchase is a bare target or a bonded assembly. For bonded targets, agree backing material, plate dimensions, bonding material, coverage and a method for checking voids. Give the supplier the cathode interface drawing and agree a sample trial in your coating process before accepting production.
For supply as an article for use at work, provide safe-use information and arrange necessary testing or examination. Ask the factory for handling, mounting and operating information covering the supplied target and any bond, then check it against your equipment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 100 unmounted fused silica sputtering targets; illustrative order under 7020 00 10 90, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,200, so it is £3,240. 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
Material: match each target's batch identity to its certificate; compare impurity, hydroxyl, bubble and inclusion results with the agreed specification.
Geometry: measure the target and backing against the drawing; check flatness, parallelism, mounting clearance, edge chips and visible cracks.
Bond and surface: check the agreed bond inspection results where applicable; inspect the sputtering face for scratches, residues and handling contamination.
Packing: check individual protection, separation and batch labels; photograph damaged packs before unpacking and record defects through the inspection process.
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What goes wrong
A purity claim without batch results leaves contamination unresolved. Targets can arrive with chipped edges, hidden cracks or the wrong thickness; bonded assemblies can have voids or an incompatible backing interface. Keep the approved drawing and material specification with the inspection record, and agree how damaged or non-conforming targets will be handled.
Include any target machining and dusty cleaning in your workplace assessment. Where hazardous substances expose employees, the hazardous-substances regulations require employers to assess the risks and prevent or adequately control them. Request information on the actual material and process rather than assuming every silica product presents the same exposure.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on fused silica sputtering targets from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for 7020 00 10 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the target as imported fits this line.
What should I put in a fused silica target specification?
Specify purity, impurity and hydroxyl limits, bubbles and inclusions, dimensions, flatness, parallelism, edge finish and batch evidence. Include backing and bonding details if supplied.
Can I order a target already bonded to a backing plate?
Agree the plate drawing, bond material, coverage and void-checking method. Give your broker the complete assembly description before confirming its commodity code.
What should I check when sputtering targets arrive?
Match batch certificates, measure geometry, inspect for chips and cracks, check bond evidence and examine the sputtering face for contamination. Record packing damage before unpacking.