Sourcing graphite insulation felt from China

Zero duty on the relevant carbon and graphite lines

Heading 6815 includes carbon fibres, carbon fibre fabrics and articles, and other non-electrical graphite or carbon articles. For graphite insulation felt, confirm whether the supplied material is a carbon fibre article or another graphite or carbon article. The table includes separately supplied fibres and fabrics for comparison; these descriptions do not make every line suitable for finished felt.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, the listed carbon and graphite lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Give your customs broker the composition, manufacturing description, facing or binder details and intended use to confirm the commodity code. See the carbon fibre and graphite guide for the wider heading.

Specify felt for the furnace atmosphere

State whether you need flexible felt rolls, cut pieces or rigid bonded insulation. Specify the fibre precursor, carbonised or graphitised condition, thickness, density, dimensions and permitted tolerances. Identify any facing, binder or coating. Keep an approved sample so the production batch can be compared with the material you accepted.

Describe the furnace atmosphere, operating temperature, heating cycle and contact with process materials. Ask for thermal conductivity data with the test temperature, atmosphere and method stated. Agree ash content, purity, compression behaviour and acceptable fibre shedding against your application rather than accepting a temperature claim alone.

Ask for handling information and a safety data sheet where available. Under COSHH, employers must plan, manage and monitor the use of substances hazardous to health. Consider dust generated when cutting and fitting the felt as part of your workplace assessment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of graphite insulation felt rolls for a furnace refurbishment under 6815 19 00 00, invoiced at £38,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £39,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £39,800, so it is £7,960. 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

Identity: match batch labels, material declarations and test reports to the ordered grade and graphitised condition.

Dimensions: measure thickness using the agreed compression method, check roll width and cut-piece fit, and compare mass and density with the specification.

Condition: inspect for crushed edges, tears, uneven layers, contamination and fibre shedding; check bonded pieces for separation.

Performance: compare batch results with the agreed thermal and purity requirements, and trial installation before accepting repeat supply. Use a written inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A description such as graphite felt can conceal differences in fibre precursor, heat treatment and binder. Material that looks like the approved sample may differ in purity, compression or thermal performance. Reports without a batch identity or test conditions cannot show that the delivered felt meets your furnace specification.

Packing can flatten rolls or damage cut edges, while loose fibres and contamination can affect installation. Record defects before fitting, retain labelled samples and resolve discrepancies with the supplier before using the batch.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.