Sourcing graphite bipolar plates from China

UK duty on graphite bipolar plates

Heading 8545 covers graphite and other carbon articles used for electrical purposes. For finished graphite fuel-cell bipolar plates, 8545 90 90 99 is a candidate under other electrical carbon articles. The table shows plate variants using that candidate line, rather than separate tariff categories.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, every supplied line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code with your customs broker using the drawing, material composition and electrical function, particularly for composite or assembled plates. For related electrical carbon products within the wider heading, see graphite electrolysis anodes.

Specify the flow field and sealing surfaces

Specify machined graphite or moulded graphite composite, the grade, resin or impregnation system, and any bonded construction. Supply controlled drawings showing channel geometry, manifold openings, gasket grooves, sealing lands, thickness, flatness and surface finish. Agree acceptance criteria for gas permeability, contact resistance under the intended compression, strength and chemical compatibility with your stack.

Ask for composition information covering binders, impregnants and coatings. UK REACH Candidate List substances bring supplier obligations. GOV.UK guidance says component parts sold between businesses are outside the hazardous-substance restriction rules for electrical equipment. For a plate supplied as a component, agree what material evidence the stack manufacturer needs. Use factory verification to check machining, impregnation and testing capability.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 40 graphite fuel-cell bipolar plates; illustrative order only under 8545 90 90 99, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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

Geometry: compare arrival samples with the approved drawing; measure channels, ports, gasket grooves, thickness and flatness, and check mating alignment.

Sealing: inspect sealing lands for chips and scratches; test gas leakage and bonded joints using the agreed fixture, pressure and acceptance criteria.

Electrical performance: check contact resistance under the agreed clamping conditions and match material test reports to the delivered batch.

Condition and traceability: check for cracks, graphite dust and damaged edges; verify batch identification and protective packing. Follow the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A plate can match the outline yet fail in the stack. Warped sealing lands prevent even gasket compression, porous material allows gas leakage, and misaligned manifolds obstruct flow. Changes to resin content or surface treatment can change contact resistance. Chipped channel edges and loose graphite dust also need attention.

Approve a sample in the intended stack before releasing the production order. Record the material formulation, drawing revision, test method and packing arrangement, and agree that the factory will seek approval before substitutions. Separate material defects from fixture or gasket problems when investigating a failed leakage test.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.