Sourcing hot-rolled steel square bars from China
Hot-rolled non-alloy steel square bars from China have a listed UK duty of 50% across the relevant lines. Confirm carbon content, free-cutting status and reinforcement use before choosing the code. For construction supply, agree the conformity documents before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources hot-rolled non-alloy steel square bars.
UK duty and classification for hot-rolled square bars
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 October 2026, heading 7214 covers iron or non-alloy steel bars and rods not further worked than forged, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, including those twisted after rolling. This guide concerns hot-rolled square bars. The rectangular cross-section branches expressly exclude square sections; carbon content, free-cutting steel and reinforcement type distinguish the relevant lines.
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 50% third-country duty for every square-bar line selected here, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control. Earlier published heading guidance describes 0% within the steel quota and 50% outside it. The supplied snapshot does not identify a separate steel measure, so ask your customs broker to verify any quota claim before relying on relief.
Send the broker the mill certificate, carbon analysis, production route, section drawing and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For the related cold-finished product, see cold-drawn mild steel square bars.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled square bars, under 0.25% carbon, not for concrete reinforcement | 7214 99 50 00 | 50% | None |
| Plain hot-rolled square bars, 0.25% carbon or more | 7214 99 95 90 | 50% | None |
| Hot-rolled free-cutting non-alloy steel square bars, other | 7214 30 00 90 | 50% | None |
| Plain square bars, under 0.25% carbon, of a type used for concrete reinforcement | 7214 99 10 90 | 50% | None |
Specify the square section, grade and rolling condition
Specify the steel grade and chemical composition, side dimensions, length, straightness, twist, corner shape and permitted surface defects. State whether the bars will be welded, machined or used as structural material. Agree the inspection certificate and heat traceability. Ask for measurements across both faces and a section sample showing the corners; a photograph alone cannot establish the machining allowance.
For construction projects, agree the grade, declared performance and conformity documents with your customer before ordering. Construction products with legitimately affixed CE marking can continue to be supplied in Great Britain. Check that the documents identify the actual product and intended use, rather than accepting a certificate for unrelated steel.
The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism starts on 1 January 2027. Check the scope and your position using the UK carbon border adjustment guide, and ask the mill what production and emissions data it can supply.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of hot-rolled non-alloy steel square bars under 7214 99 50 00, 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 and heat numbers to the mill certificate, packing list, ordered grade and chemical analysis.
Geometry: measure both side dimensions, corner shape, length, straightness and twist against the agreed tolerances.
Surface: check for seams, laps, cracks, heavy scale and rust pitting, especially where the bars will be machined or welded.
Arrival: check bundle quantities, damaged ends, displaced straps and wet packaging before releasing stock. Record findings using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Bars can meet a nominal side dimension yet fail after machining because rounded corners, scale or surface seams consume the agreed allowance. Twist and bowed lengths complicate cutting and fabrication. Mixed heats or missing bundle tags make it difficult to connect the delivered material to its certificate.
Classification also fails when a supplier chooses a rectangular-bar code for a square section or treats every square bar as low-carbon steel. Confirm the analysis and product type before dispatch. Resolve certificate gaps and dimensional failures while the bars remain at the mill.
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 steel square bars from China?
The snapshot read on 28 October 2026 lists 50% for all selected square-bar lines. No additional trade remedy is listed for them. Ask your broker to verify any steel-quota relief before relying on it.
Which commodity code covers hot-rolled mild steel square bars?
7214 99 50 00 covers the relevant other bars below 0.25% carbon. Free-cutting steel and bars of a type used for concrete reinforcement have separate lines. Confirm the mill analysis and product type.
Can hot-rolled square bars replace cold-drawn square bars?
Agree this with the customer. Hot-rolled corners, scale, straightness and dimensional variation can affect fit and machining allowance. Compare measured samples with the drawing before approving a substitution.
What documents should I request for square bars?
Request a mill inspection certificate linked to each heat and bundle, with chemistry and mechanical results for the ordered grade. For construction supply, agree the applicable conformity documents with your customer.