Sourcing laboratory glass beakers from China

Duty by glass composition

Heading 7017 covers laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. Laboratory beakers are classified by glass composition and, for the low-expansion category, the material's expansion characteristics. Beaker height and the presence of graduations do not create separate tariff lines; the table repeats the low-expansion code for different beaker forms.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, all supplied commodity lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. These are tariff findings, rather than confirmation that a beaker is suitable for its intended laboratory use.

Obtain the glass composition and expansion data before confirming the commodity code. A supplier's description of borosilicate glass alone is insufficient evidence of the tariff criterion. See the laboratory glassware guide for the wider heading.

Glass composition, graduations and heating

Specify nominal capacity, low or tall form, outside dimensions, wall and base thickness, rim finish and pouring spout. Ask for glass composition, expansion data and batch identification. Define whether graduations are approximate guides or an accuracy claim requiring verification. Agree the marking method and its resistance to the cleaning process you intend to use.

Describe the heating, cooling, chemical exposure and cleaning conditions. Ask for test reports covering the ordered material and shape, together with handling instructions and stated limitations. For workplace articles where more specific product safety law does not apply, HSE identifies a general safety duty so far as reasonably practicable, including safe-use information and necessary testing or examination.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-capacity carton order of laboratory glass beakers under 7017 20 00 00, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £1,404 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,804. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,804, so it is £760.80. 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 batch documentation and glass composition to the order; check that reports cover the supplied beaker rather than another glassware range.

Shape and finish: measure agreed dimensions and thickness; check base stability, spout shape, sharp rims, chips, cracks and visible inclusions.

Graduations: compare capacity markings with the approved sample and agreed verification method; check legibility and resistance to the specified cleaning process.

Packing and arrival: check individual separation, carton movement and broken glass; record damage before distributing stock. Agree these checks in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A sample may look satisfactory while bulk stock has thinner bases, poorly formed spouts or different glass composition. Transit chips can be hidden by wrapping, and printed graduations may wear during cleaning. Test representative production samples under the agreed conditions, retain batch records and separate damaged stock on arrival.

Do not treat approximate graduations as verified measuring accuracy or a generic heating claim as evidence for your process. Resolve unsupported claims through testing and certification support before accepting the batch.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.