Sourcing lab glass evaporating dishes from China

Duty by glass composition

Heading 7017 covers laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. Laboratory glass evaporating dishes fall within this family; the relevant line depends on glass composition and expansion properties. See the laboratory glassware guide for the wider heading.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all the listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Fused quartz and other fused silica share a commodity code, although the table describes them separately.

Confirm the commodity code using the manufacturer's composition and thermal-expansion evidence. A supplier's description of the dish as heat-resistant does not establish which tariff line applies.

Specify the dish and its heating method

Specify glass composition, internal and external diameter, depth, usable capacity, wall thickness, base profile and whether a pouring lip is required. Identify the support or heating equipment the dish must fit. Agree dimensional tolerances and an approved sample before production.

Describe the intended chemicals, heating method, cooling procedure and cleaning process. Ask for evidence supporting the claimed suitability rather than accepting a generic heat-resistant description. For workplace supply, duties include providing safe-use information and instructions, with necessary testing or examination; obtain instructions covering heating, cooling and cleaning.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of fused-quartz laboratory evaporating dishes under 7017 10 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. 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 the batch identification and composition evidence to the ordered glass; check that performance reports cover the supplied dish.

Dimensions: measure diameter, depth and wall thickness against the drawing; check the base sits steadily on the intended support.

Glass and lip: inspect for cracks, chipped rims, sharp edges, inclusions and uneven forming; check controlled pouring where a lip is specified.

Packing: check individual separation, cushioning and carton condition; on arrival, record breakage and retain batch labels. Include these points in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

Material substitution can leave heating claims unsupported. Uneven bases rock on supports, poorly formed lips spill liquid, and chips can be missed when dishes are nested tightly. Direct contact between dishes during transport can damage rims.

Compare the delivered batch with the approved sample and material evidence. Keep cracked or chipped dishes out of use, record the affected batch and photographs, and agree replacement handling with the supplier. Have heating claims checked against the actual laboratory process before adopting the dishes.

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.