Sourcing high-alumina bricks from China
High-alumina refractory bricks from China carry 0% UK import duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the commodity code from chemical analysis, rather than the supplier's grade name, and check batch performance against the agreed data sheet. Cambridge China Bridge sources high-alumina refractory bricks.
Zero duty on high-alumina refractory bricks
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6902 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those of siliceous fossil meals or similar siliceous earths. High-alumina bricks fall within the other alumina or silica line, 6902 20 99 00. The table shows brick shapes within that same line.
Duty on this line for goods from China is 0%, with no listed anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. The tariff attaches an import waste control. For waste bricks from China entering England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the shipment's requirements with your customs broker. The snapshot also records waste export controls and a cultural-interest export licence measure; check these separately before re-exporting.
Confirm the commodity code using composition, product form and intended use. Refractory mortars and castables belong to heading 3816 rather than this brick line. See the mullite refractory bricks guide for related products within the wider heading, and the import duty and VAT guide for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-alumina straight refractory bricks | 6902 20 99 00 | 0% | None |
Specify chemistry and performance under load
Specify alumina content, the full chemical analysis, brick shape, drawing dimensions and tolerances. Give the furnace atmosphere, materials contacting the lining and heating cycle. Agree bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, refractoriness under load, permanent dimensional change on heating and thermal shock performance. A maximum service temperature alone does not describe how a loaded lining will behave.
Agree batch testing methods before ordering: chemical analysis to ISO 12677, density and apparent porosity to ISO 5017, cold crushing strength to ISO 10059-1, refractoriness under load to ISO 1893 and permanent dimensional change to ISO 2478. Ask for reports traceable to the supplied batch. For construction installation, the hazardous-substances rules require protection against hazardous construction dust; plan cutting and dust control before delivery.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative container order of high-alumina straight refractory bricks for a kiln-building business under 6902 20 99 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,000, so it is £3,400. 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
Chemistry: check the supplied batch analysis against the agreed alumina content and chemical specification; arrange independent sample testing where needed.
Performance: compare batch density, porosity, crushing strength and heating test results with the agreed data sheet. Keep samples identified by batch.
Shape and condition: measure dimensions and warpage against the drawing; inspect faces, edges and corners for cracks, chips and damage that would affect joints.
Packing: check pallet stability, wrapping, corner protection, dryness and batch identification on arrival. Solid wood packaging must meet the applicable import requirements. Include packaging compliance in the supplier brief.
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What goes wrong
Lower alumina content than agreed can leave bricks softening under load. Inadequate firing can cause shrinkage and open joints during heat-up, while poor thermal shock resistance causes spalling during repeated heating and cooling. Dimension variation and damaged edges make the lining difficult to assemble to the drawing.
Accept batches against the agreed chemistry and performance results, and record transport damage before installation. Trial the selected grade under the intended operating conditions before committing to a larger lining programme. Use the quality inspection guide to define sampling, acceptance criteria and the inspection record.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on high-alumina bricks from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% duty under 6902 20 99 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.
Is alumina content enough to choose a refractory brick?
No. Also agree density, porosity, crushing strength, refractoriness under load, dimensional change on heating and thermal shock performance for your furnace conditions.
What should I check when high-alumina bricks arrive?
Match batch identification to test reports, measure dimensions and warpage, inspect cracks and damaged edges, and check pallet stability and dryness.
Can I import used high-alumina bricks as ordinary stock?
Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the shipment is waste. For imports into England under waste notification controls, the exporter must seek consent from the dispatch country's competent authority.