Sourcing hot rolled stainless flats from China
Hot rolled stainless steel flat bars from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant nickel-content lines. Confirm the bars are not further worked than hot-rolled and use mill chemistry to select the code. Keep evidence of the steel supply chain for sanctions checks. Cambridge China Bridge sources hot rolled stainless steel flat bars.
Duty on hot rolled stainless steel flat bars
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars and rods, angles, shapes and sections. This guide covers hot rolled flat bars of non-circular cross-section. For other shapes and delivery conditions, see stainless steel bars and rods.
The relevant lines both carry 0% duty for goods from China: 7222 19 10 00 for nickel content of 2.5% or more by weight, and 7222 19 90 00 for less than 2.5%. The supplied tariff facts list no steel measure, anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. The table shows grade examples sharing these codes; the certificate's chemistry decides the line.
Confirm the manufacturing route, cross-section and nickel content before choosing the commodity code. Do not apply the hot rolled flat-bar rate to a cold-finished product simply because it has a rectangular section. Import VAT is normally 20%; use the UK duty and VAT guide when checking landed cost.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot rolled stainless flat bar, grade 304, nickel content confirmed by certificate | 7222 19 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Hot rolled stainless flat bar, grade 410, nickel content confirmed by certificate | 7222 19 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the rolled section, grade and edges
Specify the grade, product standard, width, thickness, length, dimensional tolerances and straightness. State the heat treatment and whether the surface is as rolled or pickled. Agree the acceptable edge profile, corner shape, surface defects and packing. Ask the factory to identify the manufacturing route rather than quoting only 'stainless flat bar'.
Ask for a type 3.1 inspection certificate to BS EN 10204, showing heat number, chemistry and mechanical properties. For grade 316, check molybdenum as well as nickel. Agree how bundle labels and bar markings will retain heat identity after unpacking.
For construction use, confirm the applicable product specification and conformity assessment before ordering. Legitimately CE-marked construction products can continue to be supplied to the Great Britain market. For sanctions checks, keep documentation showing the steel input origin and processing history, consistent with the prohibitions on Russian steel.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of grade 304 hot rolled stainless steel flat bars for a stockholder; FOB value and freight are hypothetical, not a quotation under 7222 19 10 00, invoiced at £56,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £59,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £59,000, so it is £11,800. 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
Material: match heat numbers on bars and bundle labels to the inspection certificates; sample the material for grade verification rather than relying on the supplier's description.
Dimensions: measure width and thickness along sampled bars, then check length, straightness, twist and edge profile against the agreed drawing.
Surface: inspect broad faces and edges for seams, laps, cracks, deep scratches and pickling residue; compare the finish with the approved sample.
Packing: check bundle identification, strapping and supports, and look for bent ends or transport damage. Set the sampling and reporting brief using the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A supplier substitutes a different grade, mixes heats or sends certificates that do not match the bars. Width and thickness vary, the bars twist, or edge defects appear during fabrication. A quotation that says only 'flat bar' also leaves room for a different manufacturing route. Record the agreed condition and tolerances, then quarantine mismatched bundles until the discrepancy is resolved.
Origin paperwork can be too vague to support sanctions checks. Ask for the steel input origin and processing history before dispatch. Also plan for the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism from 1 January 2027: confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether these lines are in scope. Request supplier emissions information and review the UK carbon border adjustment guide.
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 stainless flat bars from China?
Both relevant lines carry 0% duty: 7222 19 10 00 for nickel of 2.5% or more by weight, and 7222 19 90 00 for less. The supplied facts list no trade remedy for either line.
What certificate should I request for stainless flat bars?
Ask for a type 3.1 inspection certificate to BS EN 10204, with heat number, chemistry and mechanical properties. Match it to the delivered bars and bundle labels.
Can I use the same duty code for cold-finished stainless flat bars?
Do not assume so. The hot rolled lines cover bars not further worked than hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded. Confirm the delivery condition and manufacturing route before classification.
What origin evidence should I get from a Chinese steel supplier?
Request documentation showing the steel input origin and processing history. Keep it linked to the shipment and heat certificates so it can support Russian-steel sanctions checks.