Sourcing hot-rolled non-alloy flats from China
Hot-rolled non-alloy steel flat bars from China carry a listed UK duty of 50%, with 0% possible under the steel quota described in our related guide. Classify by carbon content and whether the bar is reinforcing steel. Cambridge China Bridge sources hot-rolled non-alloy steel flat bars.
Flat-bar classification and UK duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 October 2026, heading 7214 covers iron or non-alloy steel bars and rods worked only by forging, hot rolling, hot drawing or hot extrusion, including bars twisted after rolling. Ordinary hot-rolled flats have a rectangular, non-square cross-section. The plain-bar lines split at 0.25% carbon by weight. The reinforcing-bar rows show the classification boundary; they are not alternatives for ordinary smooth flats.
The supplied tariff facts list 50% third-country duty for all the rectangular rows shown, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Our published background describes a 0% steel quota alongside the 50% rate. Ask your broker to confirm eligibility and available quota before relying on relief. The absence of an attached tariff control does not settle product compliance.
Confirm the manufacturing process, cross-section, carbon content and reinforcing features using the mill certificate and drawings. Use finding your commodity code. For comparison with cold-finished material and the wider bar family, see cold-drawn mild steel flat bars.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain rectangular bars, carbon below 0.25% | 7214 91 10 90 | 50% | None |
| Plain rectangular bars, carbon 0.25% or more | 7214 91 90 90 | 50% | None |
| Rectangular reinforcing bars, carbon below 0.25%, excluding high fatigue bars | 7214 91 10 10 | 50% | None |
| Rectangular reinforcing bars, carbon 0.25% or more, excluding high fatigue bars | 7214 91 90 10 | 50% | None |
Specify rolled dimensions, grade and mill evidence
Specify hot-rolled non-alloy steel, grade, width, thickness, length, dimensional tolerances, straightness, twist and edge condition. Agree acceptable mill scale, rust and surface defects, together with bundle weights and protection against moisture. State the intended welding, machining or structural use so the mill can quote against the correct material specification.
Our published background describes general engineering flats bought to BS EN 10025-2 grades such as S275 or S355, with a BS EN 10204 inspection certificate. Match the certificate to the ordered grade and each heat. Agree chemistry and mechanical testing through testing and certification.
For construction use, confirm the applicable product standard and marking route before ordering. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Agree which supporting documents the supplier will provide rather than accepting a photograph of a mark.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of plain hot-rolled non-alloy steel flat bars, carbon below 0.25%; illustrative order under 7214 91 10 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 50% is £10,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,000, so it is £6,000. Import taxes total £16,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £10,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Traceability: match bundle tags, heat numbers, grade and certificate results to the purchase order and packing list.
Dimensions: measure width, thickness and length across the shipment; check straightness, twist and edge shape against agreed tolerances.
Surface: inspect for deep pitting, cracks, rolled-in defects and damaged edges; distinguish agreed mill scale from unacceptable corrosion.
Arrival: check bundle condition and quantities before mixing stock; photograph damage and retain heat identification. Set the inspection scope using our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A quotation says only mild steel flat bar, leaving grade, rolling process and tolerances unresolved. Bars arrive twisted, undersize or heavily pitted, or certificates cannot be matched to individual bundles. Agree acceptance criteria before production and keep disputed material separate.
A declaration uses the wrong carbon-content line, or the buyer budgets for quota relief without confirmation. Supply-chain records can also be incomplete. Official Russia sanctions guidance advises traders to be ready to provide supply-chain documentation consistent with the prohibitions; request upstream origin evidence before shipment.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on hot-rolled non-alloy steel flat bars from China?
The supplied tariff facts list 50% for the rectangular bar lines. Our published background describes a 0% steel quota alongside that rate; confirm eligibility and availability with your broker.
Which commodity code covers ordinary hot-rolled steel flats?
Plain rectangular, non-square bars use 7214 91 10 90 below 0.25% carbon or 7214 91 90 90 at 0.25% or more. Confirm composition and manufacturing process before declaring.
What should the mill certificate show?
Ask for the ordered grade, heat number, chemistry and mechanical results. Match these to bundle tags, and check that the carbon result supports the declared commodity line.
Is CE marking accepted for construction products in Great Britain?
Yes, CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products. Confirm the applicable standard, marking route and supporting documents for the intended use before ordering.