Sourcing Glass Roof Tiles from China

Glass roof tile duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 November 2026, heading 7016 covers pressed or moulded glass articles for building or construction, including tiles. Glass roof tiles of this description fall within the other articles line, 7016 90 70 00. The remaining table rows distinguish neighbouring product forms; they are not alternative codes for ordinary roof tiles.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China across these lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate. The worked order values are illustrative, using amounts from the site's published reference example.

Confirm the commodity code using the manufacturing process, product drawing and intended use. For other products in this heading, see glass paving blocks.

Specify the roof profile and performance evidence

Provide a drawing of the roof tile being replaced, including its profile, headlap, side overlap, underside locating features and fixing arrangement. Agree glass thickness, finish, colour, acceptable visual defects and dimensional tolerances. Ask for samples to fit into the intended surrounding tiles before approving production.

Confirm whether a designated construction product standard covers the exact product and intended use. Where a designated standard applies, obtain the declaration of performance and applicable UKCA or CE marking evidence. CE marking remains available for construction products supplied in Great Britain. Ask for reports supporting weather resistance, strength and any fire claim, and installation instructions stating the tested roof arrangement.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative palletised order of glass roof tiles under 7016 90 70 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. 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

Fit: compare sampled tiles with the approved drawing and sample roof assembly; check overlaps, locating features and fixing positions.

Glass: check for cracks, edge chips, inclusions, distortion and uneven thickness; compare colour and light transmission with the approved sample.

Evidence: match product identification and intended use on the performance documents and test reports to the tiles supplied.

Packing: check separators protect edges and projecting features, pallets restrain movement, and opened packs show no rubbing or breakage. Record arrival damage before moving the stock.

What goes wrong

A tile can resemble the surrounding roof tiles yet sit too high, rock on its locating features or leave an uneven overlap. Chipped edges and damaged fixing points can make a shipment unusable. Agree a sample roof assembly and packing method before ordering.

A report for a different tile profile or installation arrangement does not answer the buyer's performance questions. Compare report drawings with the actual product and have the intended roof arrangement assessed before accepting weatherproofing or strength claims. Use an inspection brief that includes these checks.

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.