Sourcing glass pycnometers from China
Glass pycnometers from China carry 0% UK duty across the listed glass categories. Workplace articles fall under general health and safety law where more specific product safety law does not apply. Specify calibrated capacity and matched stoppers. Cambridge China Bridge sources glass pycnometers.
Duty by glass material
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 24 October 2026, heading 7017 covers laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. Glass pycnometers are density bottles within this heading. The table separates fused quartz from other fused silica within the same commodity line.
All listed lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Classification depends on the glass material and, for the low-expansion line, its expansion characteristics.
Ask for the glass composition and expansion data before confirming the commodity code. The laboratory glassware guide covers the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fused quartz glass pycnometers | 7017 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Low-expansion glass pycnometers meeting the tariff definition | 7017 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other glass pycnometers | 7017 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Capacity, calibration and matched stoppers
Specify nominal capacity, permitted capacity error, calibration temperature, liquid compatibility and the density measurement method. Define the bottle shape, capillary stopper arrangement and any thermometer fitting. Ask for calibration results identifying the bottle and its matched stopper, with the test method and measurement uncertainty.
For workplace supply, general health and safety law applies to articles for use at work where more specific product safety law does not apply. Ask the factory for handling and cleaning instructions, glass compatibility information and stated temperature limitations. Agree protective packing that keeps each stopper with its bottle.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 300 glass pycnometers, illustrative order under 7017 20 00 00, invoiced at £2,300 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,600, so it is £520. 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
Glass condition: inspect the neck, base and stopper for cracks, chips, sharp edges and inclusions before use.
Stopper fit: check each matched stopper seats consistently, the capillary is clear and the filled bottle does not leak around the joint.
Capacity evidence: compare identifiers and calibration results with the order; repeat the agreed capacity check at the specified temperature.
Arrival packing: check dividers, cushioning and bottle–stopper pairing, and record transit damage. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
An unmatched stopper, blocked capillary or trapped air can change the filled volume and undermine density results. Residue and moisture left after cleaning can also affect weighing. Test the supplied bottle and stopper together using the laboratory's agreed method.
A nominal capacity marking does not establish the measured capacity of the supplied bottle. Generic calibration paperwork, mixed identifiers and glass substituted without approval make acceptance difficult. Agree the evidence and replacement process before ordering, and separate damaged arrivals from usable stock.
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 glass pycnometers from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% across all listed heading 7017 glass categories, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code covers glass pycnometers?
Fused quartz or fused silica uses 7017 10 00 00; glass meeting the low-expansion definition uses 7017 20 00 00; other glass uses 7017 90 00 00. Confirm the material data.
Should a pycnometer come with calibration results?
Specify this in the order. Ask for results identifying the supplied bottle and matched stopper, the calibration temperature, test method and measurement uncertainty.
Can I swap pycnometer stoppers?
Keep each stopper with its calibrated bottle. If a stopper is replaced, repeat the agreed capacity check before relying on density measurements.