Sourcing galvanised fencing wire from China
Galvanised fencing wire from China carries 0% duty across the zinc-coated lines of heading 7217, outside the steel trade measure. Classification depends on carbon content and cross-sectional size, not the fencing description alone. For consumer use, importers are responsible for product safety. Cambridge China Bridge sources galvanised fencing wire.
Duty on zinc-coated fencing wire
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, the zinc-coated iron or non-alloy steel wire lines of heading 7217 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control on these lines. Galvanised wire is outside the steel trade measure described in our steel wire guide.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual zinc coating, carbon content and maximum cross-sectional dimension. Finished mesh and fence products are covered separately in our wire mesh and fencing guide. The tariff record attaches waste controls to the heading's other-wire lines; if those lines are proposed, confirm the requirement with your customs broker. Waste shipment controls apply only to material that is waste.
Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether these lines fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism and when any obligations would apply. Ask the mill for emissions data alongside material certificates. Import VAT is 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-coated wire, carbon below 0.25%, section 0.8 mm or more | 7217 20 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Zinc-coated wire, carbon 0.25% or more but below 0.6% | 7217 20 50 00 | 0% | None |
| Zinc-coated non-alloy wire, carbon 0.6% or more, section exceeding 3 mm | 7217 20 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other zinc-coated wire, carbon 0.6% or more | 7217 20 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify fence tension and zinc coating
State whether the wire is for tensioned fence runs or tying and fixing. Specify carbon content or grade, diameter and tolerance, tensile strength, and annealed or hard-drawn condition. Agree acceptance criteria for stretching, breaking and bending rather than accepting the supplier's description of fencing wire.
Specify zinc coating mass class rather than simply galvanised. Agree coil weight, inner and outer diameter, winding and packing, and request material certificates traceable to the supplied coils. For wire intended or reasonably likely to be used by consumers in Great Britain, general product safety rules apply; businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50 tonnes of 2.5 mm galvanised fencing wire under 7217 20 30 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £43,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £43,000, so it is £8,600. 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
Diameter: measure along sample coils and compare with the agreed tolerance and material certificate.
Strength: check tensile results and perform agreed bend or wrap checks; confirm the wire suits the planned fence tension.
Coating: check zinc coating mass against the ordered class and inspect for bare patches or coating damage.
Coils: check net weight, dimensions, winding, batch identification and moisture damage on arrival; trial unwinding before releasing the batch.
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What goes wrong
Undersized wire reduces delivered weight and strength. Wire that stretches excessively leaves fence runs slack, while unsuitable strength or condition can cause breaks during tensioning or bending. A light or damaged zinc coating can lead to early rust.
Poor winding causes tangles during installation. Keep arrival photographs and test results tied to coil batches, and agree how failed batches will be handled before ordering. A bright surface alone does not establish the zinc coating mass or justify declaring the goods as galvanised.
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 galvanised fencing wire from China?
The zinc-coated lines of heading 7217 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed. Import VAT is 20%.
Which commodity code covers galvanised fencing wire?
The code depends on carbon content and maximum cross-sectional size. Low-carbon zinc-coated wire of 0.8 mm or more falls under 7217 20 30 00 when its carbon content is below 0.25%.
What should I specify for the galvanised coating?
State the zinc coating mass class and agree how it will be tested. A description of galvanised alone does not define the coating quantity you are buying.
How do I check fencing wire when it arrives?
Check diameter, strength, zinc coating mass, coil weight and winding against the order. Match test results and certificates to the delivered batches and inspect for moisture or handling damage.