Sourcing hot-rolled steel T-sections from China
Hot-rolled steel T-sections from China carry 50% UK duty on the supplied tariff record, potentially 0% with confirmed quota access. Height determines the unworked T-section code. Structural sections need a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. Cambridge China Bridge sources hot-rolled steel T-sections.
T-section height, further working and duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Hot-rolled T-sections without further working use 7216 22 00 00 below 80 mm height and 7216 40 90 00 at 80 mm or more. The clad and other further-worked rows are comparisons, not alternative codes for an unchanged rolled tee.
The supplied record lists 50% third-country duty for both unworked T-section codes, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The published reference guide describes 0% within an available steel quota and 50% outside it. HMRC allocates quota access first come, first served. Ask your broker to confirm eligibility and availability before budgeting at 0%. The comparison rows show 0%, subject to correct classification.
Give your broker the section drawing, steel composition, manufacturing route and details of subsequent working to confirm the commodity code. See the wider steel beams and sections guide. Import VAT is 20%; the duty and VAT guide explains the calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled T-sections under 80 mm high, without further working | 7216 22 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Hot-rolled T-sections 80 mm high or more, without further working | 7216 40 90 00 | 50% | None |
| Clad hot-rolled sections, without other further working; comparison line | 7216 99 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other further-worked sections; comparison line requiring classification checks | 7216 99 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the rolled tee and its structural use
Specify a tee rolled directly to shape, and require approval before substitution with a section split from a beam or welded from plate. Give overall height, flange width, web and flange thickness, root profile, length, straightness and tolerances. State the steel grade, required mechanical properties, surface finish and intended use. Agree inspection documents, heat identification, bundle labels and support during transport.
For structural T-sections, obtain the declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking described in our published structural steel guide. CE marking continues to be accepted for construction products in Great Britain. Match the documents to the supplied product and intended use. Ask for supplier emissions data ahead of the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism applying from 1 January 2027; see the UK carbon border guide.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of hot-rolled steel T-sections under 7216 40 90 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
Documents: match the grade, chemistry and mechanical results to the order and the heat identification on the steel; check structural performance documents and marking.
Dimensions: measure overall height, flange width, web and flange thickness, length, bow and twist against the agreed drawing and tolerances.
Surface and bundles: inspect flange tips and the web root for cracks, laps and rolled-in scale; check corrosion, bent ends, bundle identification and unloading supports.
Origin: obtain contractual assurances that imports are not of Russian origin, and ask the supplier for supporting mill and supply-chain records.
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What goes wrong
A supplier substitutes a split or welded tee for the specified rolled section, supplies an undersized web, or mixes heats within an unlabelled bundle. Bowed flanges and twisted bars can disrupt fit-up. Traceable certificates do not replace dimensional inspection. Use a product-specific inspection brief before loading and repeat the agreed checks on arrival.
Duty estimates fail when quota access is assumed or a further-worked comparison code is used for an unchanged hot-rolled tee. Confirm classification and quota with your broker, and agree the mill documents before placing the order. Factory verification can check whether the supplier can produce the specified section and maintain heat traceability.
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 T-sections from China?
The supplied tariff record lists 50% for both unworked T-section codes. The reference guide describes 0% within an available steel quota. Confirm quota access with your broker; no anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Which commodity code covers hot-rolled steel tees?
For iron or non-alloy steel tees without further working, use 7216 22 00 00 below 80 mm height or 7216 40 90 00 at 80 mm or more. Ask your broker to check composition and subsequent processing.
Do structural T-sections need CE or UKCA marking?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the structural sections require the declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking described in our published structural steel guide. Check that the documents cover the actual section and intended use.
What should I check when steel tees arrive?
Match heat identification to mill certificates, measure the web and flanges, check bow and twist, and inspect for cracks, laps, corrosion and handling damage. Keep bundle identities intact.