Sourcing laboratory glassware from China
Laboratory, hygienic and pharmaceutical glassware from China, whether or not graduated or calibrated, pays 0% UK duty on all three lines of heading 7017, with no anti-dumping duty. The lines split by glass: fused quartz or silica, low-expansion glass such as borosilicate, and other. Buyers check the glass type, the accuracy class of volumetric ware and the certificates of calibration.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 7017 covers laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware, whether or not graduated or calibrated. All three lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Glass containers for pharmaceutical products such as ampoules and vials are heading 7010, and instruments and apparatus such as thermometers are chapter 90; confirm the commodity code. For whole laboratory fit-outs, see our university laboratory equipment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laboratory glassware of fused quartz or other fused silica | 7017 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Laboratory glassware of low-expansion glass (for example borosilicate) | 7017 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other laboratory, hygienic or pharmaceutical glassware | 7017 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying laboratory glassware
Specify the glass type (for example borosilicate 3.3 or fused quartz), wall thickness, dimensions and joints, the accuracy class of volumetric ware such as flasks, pipettes and burettes, the standard it is made to, markings, and packing. Ask for batch or individual calibration certificates where accuracy matters, and for thermal shock resistance data for ware that will be heated.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 borosilicate beakers and flasks under 7017 20 00 00, invoiced at £7,500 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,100. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,100, so it is £1,620. 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
Glass: check type and freedom from bubbles and stones.
Volumetric ware: check accuracy class and certificates.
Packing: check breakage protection. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Glassware orders fail on glass and accuracy. Soda-lime glass is supplied as borosilicate, volumetric ware is outside its class, markings wear off, and packing lets ware break in transit.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on laboratory glassware from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, all three lines of heading 7017 carried 0% from China.
Are glass vials and ampoules in heading 7017?
No. Glass containers such as ampoules and vials are heading 7010.
How do I check borosilicate glass?
Ask for the glass specification and thermal shock data, and test samples before bulk.
What should come with volumetric glassware?
Its accuracy class, the standard it is made to and calibration certificates where needed.