Sourcing low-iron float glass sheets from China
Low-iron float glass sheets from China pay 0% UK duty across the relevant thickness and coating lines, with no trade remedy shown. For glass supplied for buildings, confirm applicable declaration of performance and conformity marking requirements with the relevant authority. Specify iron content and optical performance separately. Cambridge China Bridge sources low-iron float glass sheets.
Zero duty on low-iron float glass sheets
Heading 7005 covers float glass and surface-ground or polished glass in sheets, with or without an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked. This guide concerns low-iron sheets supplied as raw glass. See the wider float glass guide for other glass families.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, the relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Packing requirements still matter independently of the glass tariff line.
Confirm the commodity code from thickness, coating and processing, rather than the supplier's low-iron description alone. Toughened or laminated glass belongs to heading 7007. The tariff requires glass area in square metres as a supplementary unit.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated low-iron float glass, thickness up to 3.5 mm | 7005 29 25 00 | 0% | None |
| Uncoated low-iron float glass, thickness over 3.5 mm up to 4.5 mm | 7005 29 35 00 | 0% | None |
| Uncoated low-iron float glass, thickness over 4.5 mm | 7005 29 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Low-iron float glass with a non-reflecting layer | 7005 10 05 00 | 0% | None |
Specify low iron content and optical performance
Ask the factory to state iron content, glass composition, thickness, sheet dimensions and tolerances in the order specification. Agree visible light transmission, its test method and the thickness at which it is measured. Keep an approved sample for colour comparison, including the edge appearance. Specify whether sheets are uncoated or have a non-reflecting layer.
Basic float glass is specified to BS EN 572-2, with supplied or cut sizes covered by BS EN 572-8. For building use, confirm with the relevant authority which declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking requirements apply, including whether BS EN 572-9 is the relevant route. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products in Great Britain. Match the documents to the actual product and intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative container order of uncoated low-iron float glass sheets, 6 mm thick under 7005 29 80 00, invoiced at £11,000 free on board, with £3,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £14,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,200, so it is £2,840. 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 colour: match batch labels to the order and iron-content evidence. Compare sampled sheets with the approved sample under the same lighting, both through the face and along the edge.
Dimensions and optics: measure thickness and sheet dimensions; examine scratches, bubbles and stones, and check distortion against a striped board. Compare optical test results at the ordered thickness.
Packing: check interleaving, dry surfaces, edge protection, racks and lashings before loading. Solid wood packaging imported into Great Britain must meet ISPM15. Check the compliance mark; a certificate cannot replace it.
Arrival: photograph the unopened packs, damaged racks and wet wrapping before unpacking. Record broken sheets, chipped edges, stains and batch identity through the inspection process.
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What goes wrong
A supplier's low-iron label leaves acceptance unclear when iron content, transmission and the comparison thickness are unspecified. A sample photographed against a white background may hide edge colour or distortion. Keep the approved sample and written acceptance criteria tied to the production batch.
Moisture between sheets can cause sticking and iridescent corrosion; rack movement causes cracks and chipped edges. Low iron content does not establish suitability for doors or low windows. In England, confirm with the relevant building control authority which glazing safety measures apply in critical locations and whether safety glass, robust glazing, small panes or permanent protection would be suitable.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on low-iron float glass from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% duty across the relevant thickness and coating lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed.
Does low-iron glass have its own commodity code?
Choose the code from thickness, coating and processing. Low iron content alone does not identify the line. Uncoated sheets and sheets with a non-reflecting layer use different lines.
How do I check that glass is genuinely low iron?
Agree iron content and optical acceptance criteria, request batch evidence and compare production samples with the approved sample. Check transmission at the ordered thickness.
Can low-iron float glass be used in doors?
Low iron content does not establish glazing safety. In England, confirm suitable safety measures for doors and other critical locations with the relevant building control authority; plain sheets may need further processing before installation.