Sourcing galvanised steel staple wire from China
Galvanised steel staple wire from China carries 0% duty across the zinc-coated lines of heading 7217. Match carbon content and maximum cross-sectional dimension to the code, and specify wire that forms without cracking or shedding zinc. Cambridge China Bridge sources galvanised steel staple wire.
Duty on galvanised staple wire
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7217 covers wire of iron or non-alloy steel. This guide concerns zinc-coated wire supplied as feedstock for making staples. Select the line by carbon content and maximum cross-sectional dimension. The table lists classification alternatives, rather than grades recommended for every staple machine.
The zinc-coated lines carry 0% duty for goods from China and are outside the steel measure. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Other wire lines in this heading have attached waste controls. For waste from China subject to notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. If buying scrap or material described as waste, confirm the requirements with your customs broker. For production wire, match the mill's chemistry and coating records to the commodity code. See cold-heading steel wire for wider heading coverage.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc-coated low-carbon wire, maximum cross-sectional dimension under 0.8 mm | 7217 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Zinc-coated low-carbon wire, maximum cross-sectional dimension 0.8 mm or more | 7217 20 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Zinc-coated wire, carbon content 0,25 % or more but below 0,6 % | 7217 20 50 00 | 0% | None |
| Zinc-coated high-carbon wire, other | 7217 20 90 90 | 0% | None |
Wire that feeds, flattens and forms
Specify the staple application, steel grade or carbon content, round or flattened cross-section, dimensional tolerances, tensile strength and delivery condition. State whether your process flattens the wire before forming. Approve samples through your own feed rolls, cutting tools and forming dies, checking staple shape, bend cracking and coating loss.
Agree zinc coating mass, adhesion after forming, surface finish and lubricant. State coil weight, inner and outer dimensions, winding direction and pay-off arrangement. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles; ask the factory for coating, passivation and lubricant composition so you can assess the relevant obligations before selling the wire.
For imports planned from 1 January 2027, use the site's steel-wire guidance as a starting point and confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether this heading falls within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism. Ask the mill for emissions data when planning imports for that period.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3 tonnes of galvanised low-carbon staple wire in coils under 7217 20 30 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,000, so it is £1,200. 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 the cross-section along sampled coils, including flattened width and thickness where applicable, and compare with the approved drawing.
Forming: run arrival samples through the intended machine; check feeding, cut ends, staple symmetry, bend cracks and zinc flaking against the approved sample.
Material and coating: match coil labels to heat and batch records; check chemistry, tensile results, zinc coating mass and visible corrosion.
Coils and packing: check net weight, winding, loose ends, collapsed coils and moisture damage. Ensure any solid wood packaging meets the applicable import requirements. Use quality inspection guidance to agree the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Wire can meet the nominal diameter yet feed badly because of ovality, variable flattened thickness or uneven winding. Material that is too hard can crack at staple bends; material that is too soft can deform during feeding. Poor coating adhesion leaves zinc debris on tooling, while insufficient coating or damp packing can leave corrosion on arrival.
A hand-bent sample does not establish machine performance. Agree acceptance criteria using a production trial, retain the approved sample and compare incoming batches with it. Record the trial conditions and link any failure to the coil and heat records before approving replacement material.
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 staple wire from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% across the zinc-coated lines of heading 7217, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the line using carbon content and maximum cross-sectional dimension.
Which wire specification should I send to the factory?
Send the steel grade, cross-section and tolerances, tensile range, delivery condition, zinc coating requirements and coil dimensions. Explain whether your machine flattens the wire before forming.
How do I check whether the wire will make good staples?
Trial a representative coil on your intended machine. Check pay-off, feeding, cutting, staple shape, bend cracking and zinc loss. Keep the approved sample and trial record for comparison with later batches.
Does galvanised staple wire need chemical compliance checks?
UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles. Obtain details of the zinc coating, passivation and lubricant, then assess the obligations relevant to the supplied wire and your role.