Sourcing graphite corrugated gaskets from China

UK duty on graphite-faced corrugated gaskets

Heading 8484 covers metal sheeting combined with other materials, layered metal gaskets, gasket assortments and mechanical seals. A corrugated metal core faced with graphite fits the metal-and-other-material description under 8484 10 00 90. The table shows product variants sharing that commodity line, rather than separate tariff categories.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the relevant line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control for this line. Import VAT is normally 20%.

Give your customs broker the drawing and material construction to confirm the commodity code. Keep corrugated sheet cores distinct from machined serrated cores; see the related graphite-faced Kammprofile gasket guide for another gasket family within this heading.

Specify the corrugated core and graphite facing

State the metal grade, core thickness, corrugation profile, graphite grade and facing thickness on each side. Define the inner and outer dimensions, finished thickness, bolt holes or locating tabs, and dimensional tolerances. Identify the flange drawing, surface condition, process fluid, operating temperature and pressure.

Agree how the facing is attached, whether exposed metal edges are acceptable, and how the factory will identify material batches. Request an asbestos-free declaration supported by testing of the facing and any bonding material. REACH prohibits placing articles with intentionally added asbestos fibres on the market, including import.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 400 graphite-faced corrugated metal gaskets, illustrative order under 8484 10 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,500, so it is £1,100. 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

Core: check the metal certificate against the order and inspect for uneven corrugations, cracks, burrs and distortion.

Facing: check graphite coverage, thickness and attachment against the approved sample; look for tears, lifted edges and bare patches.

Fit: measure inner and outer dimensions, finished thickness and hole positions against the drawing; trial-fit a sample on the intended flange.

Arrival: check batch identification, quantities and supporting test reports; inspect for moisture, crushed edges and facing damage. Agree these checks through the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A gasket can match the outside dimensions yet have the wrong corrugation profile or finished thickness. Uneven forming and patchy graphite coverage can produce uneven seating. Facing can lift during handling, while loose packing allows edges to rub against adjacent parts.

Avoid approving the order from a catalogue photograph alone. Approve a physical sample and drawing, agree material evidence and acceptance criteria, and pack the gaskets flat with protection between sealing faces. Do not treat a supplier's pressure claim as proof of performance in your flange assembly.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.