Sourcing hydronic trench convectors from China
Hydronic trench convectors qualifying under heading 7322 carry a flat 2% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedy. For construction products sold in Great Britain, CE marking remains accepted. Check the heat output evidence and floor recess drawing for the exact model. Cambridge China Bridge sources hydronic trench convectors.
Duty on hydronic trench convectors
Heading 7322 covers non-electrically heated iron or steel central heating radiators and their parts, plus specified air heaters and parts. This guide concerns hydronic trench convectors within that description. The table shows variants sharing the other-radiators line, subject to confirmation of their construction. For the wider heading, see radiators and towel rails.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied lines carry 2% duty for goods from China. The record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control. The duty range is therefore a flat 2% across these lines.
Give your customs broker the complete assembly drawing, materials, heating method and component list before confirming the commodity code. A steel trench casing alone should not determine classification of a mixed-material assembly. Have separately supplied grilles, coils and controls checked individually.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel hydronic trench convectors with fixed grilles | 7322 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the floor recess and heat output
Specify trench length, width and depth, finished floor level, grille material and finish, intended loading, levelling supports and water connection positions. Ask for a section drawing showing the coil, air path and access for cleaning, venting and valve maintenance. Agree whether the grille is removable or fixed and how the installer reaches the connections.
Ask for heat output evidence for the exact coil, casing and grille combination, with water temperatures, room temperature and flow conditions stated. Specify natural convection or fan assistance. For powered versions, ask a testing provider to assess electrical compliance of the complete assembly, including its controller and power supply.
CE marking continues to be accepted for construction products in Great Britain. Ask the provider to confirm the applicable construction-product assessment route and request the model-specific declaration of performance and supporting reports through testing and certification. Match the documents to the supplied configuration.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2 steel hydronic trench convectors under 7322 19 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £1,120 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,120. Duty at 2% is £142.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,262.40, so it is £1,452.48. Import taxes total £1,594.88; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £142.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure the casing, grille opening, levelling supports and connection positions against the approved drawing. Assemble the grille and check that it sits flush without rocking.
Water circuit: witness the agreed pressure test, inspect joints for leakage and check the vent, drain and connection threads. Record the test conditions and check for debris inside the circuit.
Performance and controls: match the coil and grille to the heat output report. Where fans are fitted, check operation, speed control, vibration and access to the electrical connections against the agreed specification.
Arrival and packing: check for twisted casings, crushed fins, chipped finishes and bent grilles. Confirm that supports, fixings and instructions are included. Agree the inspection scope before shipment.
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What goes wrong
A quoted heat output can describe a different grille, water temperature or fan setting from the ordered product. A substituted coil or restricted air path can also change performance. Freeze the assessed configuration and require the factory to flag substitutions before production.
The casing may fit the floor opening while leaving no space for pipework, venting or cleaning. Grilles can rock or bow, and long casings can twist during handling. Approve an assembled sample against the installation drawing and agree packing that supports the casing and protects the grille.
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 hydronic trench convectors from China?
For products qualifying under the supplied heading 7322 lines, duty is a flat 2%. The tariff record lists no trade remedy, suspension or attached import control. Confirm the complete assembly's classification.
Does a steel trench casing make the whole unit heading 7322?
Do not assume so. Give your customs broker the materials and complete assembly drawing, particularly for copper-and-aluminium coils in steel casings, and confirm the code before ordering.
Is CE marking accepted for trench convectors in Great Britain?
CE marking remains accepted for construction products in Great Britain. Confirm the applicable assessment route and check that the declaration and reports cover the supplied model and configuration.
What should I check before ordering a trench convector?
Check the floor recess drawing, grille loading and removal, water connections, heat output test conditions and service access. For fan-assisted versions, include the controller, power supply and operating noise in the specification.