Sourcing Kammprofile gaskets from China

UK duty on graphite-faced Kammprofile gaskets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8484 covers metal-and-other-material gaskets, layered metal joints, mixed-composition gasket sets and mechanical seals. For graphite-faced Kammprofile gaskets, the relevant supplied line is 8484 10 00 90. The table shows different gasket configurations under that same line.

The supplied line carries 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control listed. That tariff position does not remove the asbestos restriction: REACH prohibits placing articles with intentionally added asbestos fibres on the market, and this includes import.

Confirm the commodity code using the construction drawing and material specification; check any code supplied by the Chinese factory against UK treatment. See the spiral wound gaskets guide for related products within the wider heading.

Specify the grooved core and graphite facing

Provide the flange drawing, sealing-face arrangement, fluid, operating temperature and pressure. Specify the metal core grade, bore, outside diameter, core thickness, groove profile and graphite-facing thickness. State whether the centring ring is integral, loose or absent, and identify the sealing area separately from the ring.

Agree graphite grade, purity, facing attachment and material traceability before production. Ask for core material certificates and graphite batch evidence matched to the goods. Request an asbestos-free declaration and agree any supporting laboratory testing through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,500 graphite-faced Kammprofile gaskets in mixed flange sizes under 8484 10 00 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,500, so it is £6,300. 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

Dimensions: measure bore, outside diameter, core and finished thickness against the approved drawing; fit-check the centring arrangement on the intended flange.

Core: check metal grade evidence, flatness, groove consistency and burrs; inspect exposed edges for damage.

Facing: check graphite coverage, alignment and attachment; reject torn, lifted or missing facing across the sealing area.

Batch and packing: match material records and carton labels to each gasket type; check arrival damage and packing that prevents bending or rubbing.

What goes wrong

A matching outside diameter can conceal the wrong sealing width, core thickness or centring arrangement. Uneven grooves and damaged graphite facings can compromise sealing. Substituted core metal or poorly documented graphite leaves the buyer unable to verify the agreed materials.

Approve a drawing and sample before production, then compare shipment samples and arrival checks with both. Treat changes to the core, graphite or attachment method as specification changes requiring buyer agreement. A visually tidy gasket does not establish suitability for the intended service.

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.