Sourcing Ingot Moulds from China

Ingot mould classification and duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, ingot moulds and ladles under 8454 20 00 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for this line.

Heading 8454 covers converters, ladles, ingot moulds and casting machines used in metallurgy or metal foundries. The table shows ingot mould applications sharing the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes. For other equipment, see the foundry equipment guide.

Confirm the commodity code using the mould drawing, casting process and intended use. Pressure die-casting dies fall under heading 8480, as explained in the published foundry equipment guide. Describe separately supplied items individually rather than assuming everything in a foundry shipment has the ingot mould code.

Specify the alloy, cavity and stripping method

State the metal and alloy to be cast, the intended ingot shape and mass, and whether the mould is lifted off the ingot or the ingot is tipped out. Supply a drawing showing cavity dimensions, taper, corner radii, wall and base thickness, supporting surfaces and handling features. Agree the mould material, material evidence and permitted casting repairs.

Ask for a witnessed casting trial using the intended alloy and an agreed operating procedure. Record filling, release, surface condition and any cracking after cooling. Request written preparation, drying, storage and handling instructions. HSE asks foundries to check that moulds used with molten metal are properly dried and prepared.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 40 foundry ingot moulds, illustrative order only under 8454 20 00 00, invoiced at £28,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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

Dimensions: measure the cavity, taper, wall and base against the approved drawing; check that supports and handling features fit the buyer's equipment.

Casting integrity: examine cavities, corners and handling features for cracks, porosity, distortion and undisclosed weld repairs; match material records to the delivered batch.

Trial evidence: review the casting and stripping records, the ingot surface and the mould condition after cooling against the agreed acceptance criteria.

Arrival condition: check for transit damage, corrosion and trapped moisture before storage or use. Keep suspect moulds aside for assessment. Use the quality inspection guide to plan factory and arrival checks.

What goes wrong

Insufficient taper can make stripping difficult; uneven walls and sharp transitions can contribute to cracking. Rough cavities can mark the ingot, while damaged supports can leave the mould unstable. A photograph of an unused mould cannot establish release performance. Agree trial evidence and acceptance criteria before shipment.

Moisture is a safety issue: HSE states that water contamination of molten metal can cause explosions. Workplace users must manage equipment risks under the work equipment rules. Assess the delivered mould within the actual casting process, including preparation, handling and storage, before putting it into service.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.