Sourcing M2 high-speed steel bars from China
M2 high-speed steel bars from China carry listed UK duty of 0% to 50%, depending on processing condition. Confirm the high-speed steel classification and finish rather than using a generic tool-steel code, and match each heat to its certificate. Cambridge China Bridge sources M2 high-speed steel bars.
Duty depends on the processing condition
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, heading 7228 covers other alloy steel bars and rods, sections and hollow drill bars. This guide covers only M2 high-speed steel bars. The table separates hot-rolled and hot-drawn or extruded supply under the same commodity code.
The supplied tariff lists 0% for 7228 10 20 00 and forged bars under 7228 10 50 00, and 50% for other high-speed steel bars under 7228 10 90 00. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The site's published alloy-bar guide describes 0% quota treatment for other high-speed steel bars; ask your broker to confirm availability before relying on it.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemistry, manufacturing route and processing condition. You must include the code on the import declaration. For wider heading coverage, see D2 tool steel bars. Use the published alloy-bar guide as a starting point and ask HMRC or your customs broker to confirm whether these high-speed steel lines fall within the forthcoming UK carbon border adjustment mechanism.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed steel bars, not further worked than hot-rolled | 7228 10 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Forged high-speed steel bars | 7228 10 50 00 | 0% | None |
| Other high-speed steel bars | 7228 10 90 00 | 50% | None |
Specify M2 chemistry and delivery condition
Put the agreed M2 composition limits in the purchase specification rather than accepting a grade name alone. Specify bar shape, dimensions, tolerances, straightness, surface finish, machining allowance and whether delivery is annealed or hardened. Agree the hardness acceptance range and the sampling method with the mill.
Ask for a heat-linked inspection certificate showing chemistry, heat treatment condition and test results. For cutting-tool blanks, agree how the mill will check carbide distribution, internal soundness and surface decarburisation. Arrange a sample machining and hardening trial before accepting a repeat supply.
UK REACH generally applies to individual substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. Ask a compliance adviser to assess the supplied bar and any surface treatment before resale.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2 tonnes of forged M2 high-speed steel bars; illustrative order and values under 7228 10 50 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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
Traceability: match bundle labels and bar markings to the heat numbers on the certificates, and keep different heats identifiable after unpacking.
Chemistry and condition: arrange independent chemistry and hardness checks against the agreed M2 specification and delivery condition.
Dimensions and surface: measure diameter or section size, ovality and straightness; check for cracks, scale, corrosion and sufficient machining allowance.
Internal quality and packing: review agreed ultrasonic and metallographic results; check that bundles are supported, secured and protected from moisture.
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What goes wrong
A certificate bearing the M2 name can belong to a different heat. Mixed bundles, inconsistent annealing, surface decarburisation and internal defects can leave bars difficult to machine or produce uneven hardening results. Keep suspect material separate and compare independent results with the agreed acceptance criteria.
A quote described only as tool steel can also obscure the high-speed steel classification or the actual processing condition. Give your broker the certificate and manufacturing description before shipment, and use factory verification to check the mill's production and traceability arrangements.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on M2 high-speed steel bars from China?
The supplied tariff lists 0% for hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded bars under 7228 10 20 00 and forged bars under 7228 10 50 00, and 50% for other high-speed steel bars under 7228 10 90 00.
Can I use a general tool-steel code for M2 bars?
Do not choose a code from the grade label alone. Ask your broker to confirm the high-speed steel classification from the chemistry and processing condition.
What should I request from the Chinese mill?
Request heat-linked chemistry, delivery condition, hardness results and dimensional tolerances. Agree internal-quality testing and a sample machining and hardening trial where the application needs them.
How do I check that the delivered bars match the certificate?
Match heat markings to the certificate and arrange independent chemistry and hardness checks. Keep heats separate so a failed sample can be traced to the affected material.