Sourcing ISO dry-bulk containers from China
ISO dry-bulk freight containers from China carry 0% UK duty, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Containers used in international transport need a valid safety approval plate and an examination scheme. Specify the bulk cargo, loading hatches and discharge arrangement. Cambridge China Bridge sources ISO dry-bulk freight containers.
Duty and attached tariff controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8609 covers containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. ISO dry-bulk freight containers fall within the supplied “Other” line, 8609 00 90 00, carrying 0% duty from China. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is recorded. The table shows configurations sharing this single commodity line.
The tariff attaches a restriction on entry into free circulation concerning ozone-depleting substances, a fluorinated greenhouse gas import control and a DCMS export licence measure. Ask your customs broker to confirm the declarations required for the actual container from China. Importing ozone-depleting substances themselves requires a licence. Where quota cover is required, equipment pre-charged with fluorinated gas cannot be imported into Great Britain without enough authorisations or delegations. Cultural-object imports into Great Britain have no licensing requirement.
Confirm the commodity code using the drawings, loading and discharge equipment, and condition at import. Containers imported to remain in the UK are subject to import VAT; see UK import duty and VAT. For other container types, read the shipping containers guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO dry-bulk freight containers with roof loading hatches | 8609 00 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the cargo and discharge arrangement
Give the factory the cargo description, bulk density, particle size, moisture sensitivity and cleaning method. Agree internal contact materials, liner attachment points, roof hatch positions, outlet dimensions and connections to your unloading equipment. State whether unloading uses gravity or tipping, and request a discharge trial with representative material. Agree what residual cargo is acceptable after unloading.
Specify external dimensions and ratings against ISO 668. For international transport, require a valid CSC safety approval plate, matching approval documents and an examination scheme. Obtain approval evidence for the actual dry-bulk design, including its roof openings and discharge structure. Agree the applicable construction and test specification before production; arrange a container programme around those documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Ten ISO dry-bulk freight containers, illustrative order under 8609 00 90 00, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £38,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £38,000, so it is £7,600. 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
Identity and structure: match serial numbers and safety plates to approval documents; measure the frame and corner fittings against the drawings, and check roof reinforcement, welds and transit damage.
Hatches and seals: operate loading hatches, discharge closures and locking gear; check gasket seating and witness the agreed water-ingress test around openings and seams.
Discharge and liners: check outlet connections, liner supports and closure operation; witness unloading with representative cargo and inspect for bridging, trapped material and liner snagging.
Internal finish and arrival: check for sharp welds, loose coating, rust, moisture and residues; photograph dents and damaged seals on arrival, and compare the findings with the dispatch inspection.
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What goes wrong
A container can match the external drawing yet fail to unload your cargo. An outlet that suits free-flowing granules may bridge with damp powder. Poorly positioned liner supports can obstruct discharge or tear the liner. Hatch seals can admit rain, leaving cargo caked around the outlet.
Roof openings and discharge modifications can leave the delivered design different from the approved design. Match the approval documents to the finished container before release, and agree a cargo trial rather than accepting an empty opening-and-closing demonstration. Record the trial and inspection findings for each delivered configuration.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on ISO dry-bulk containers from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty under 8609 00 90 00, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT applies when containers are imported to remain in the UK.
Do ISO dry-bulk freight containers need a CSC plate?
Containers used in international transport need a valid CSC safety approval plate; confirm the applicable examination arrangements with the relevant authority. Match the approval documents to the actual dry-bulk design and serial numbers.
What should I specify for bulk unloading?
Specify cargo properties, outlet dimensions, connections, liner supports and gravity or tipping discharge. Agree a trial using representative cargo and an acceptable level of retained material.
What should I check when the containers arrive?
Check serial numbers, safety plates, frame damage, hatch seals, outlet closures and internal cleanliness against the dispatch report. Photograph damage and test moving parts before loading cargo.