Sourcing machine reamers from China
Machine reamers from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant boring-tool lines, with no trade remedies recorded in the supplied tariff data. Suppliers must provide safe work equipment and adequate information for safe use and maintenance. Specify the finished hole and prove it in cutting trials. Cambridge China Bridge sources machine reamers.
UK duty on machine reamers
Heading 8207 covers interchangeable tools for hand tools and machine tools. For machine reamers, examine the boring-tool branches according to working-part material and the material being machined. The table also includes metalworking broaches as an adjacent comparison; a broach is a different tool.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the listed boring and broaching lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Confirm the commodity code against the drawing, cutting material and intended operation before ordering. For the wider interchangeable-tool heading, see carbide end mills.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metalworking boring tools, including machine reamers: confirm classification | 8207 60 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Diamond-working-part boring tools, including suitable reamers | 8207 60 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Boring tools for materials other than metal | 8207 60 50 00 | 0% | None |
| Metalworking broaches: adjacent category, distinct from machine reamers | 8207 60 70 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the hole, cutting geometry and shank
State the workpiece material, starting hole, finished diameter tolerance, surface finish and whether the hole is blind or through. Specify cutting diameter, cutting length, overall length, flute form, cutting direction, lead geometry and shank dimensions. Agree the steel or carbide grade, coating and whether coolant passages are needed.
Approve samples in the intended holder and workpiece material. Record the setup, coolant, cutting conditions, hole measurements and finish so later batches can be compared fairly. Suppliers must provide safe work equipment and adequate information for safe use and maintenance. Ask for instructions covering mounting, operating conditions and handling.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size batch of high speed steel machine reamers; values in whole pounds under 8207 60 30 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £740 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,740. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,740, so it is £548. 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
Dimensions: measure cutting diameter, cutting length, overall length and shank against the approved drawing; check markings match the tool.
Edges and material: inspect the lead, flutes and cutting edges for chips, burrs and grinding damage; compare grade and hardness records with the agreed specification.
Runout and cutting trial: check the tool in the intended holder, then measure finished-hole diameter and inspect taper, chatter and surface finish in the agreed workpiece.
Packing and information: check individual edge protection, corrosion protection, size labels and batch identification; confirm the agreed safe-use information accompanies the goods. Plan these checks through quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A reamer can match its nominal diameter yet produce an oversized or rough hole because of runout, uneven grinding or unsuitable cutting geometry. The wrong flute form can leave chips trapped in a blind hole. Damaged edges, substituted material and inconsistent heat treatment can shorten tool life.
Keep the approved sample and cutting-trial record. Investigate the tool, holder, starting hole and cutting conditions together before accepting a replacement batch. Separate damaged or failed tools from saleable stock and require the factory to explain and correct the cause.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on machine reamers from China?
The relevant boring-tool lines in the supplied tariff data carry 0% duty, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code for the actual tool.
What should I put in a machine reamer specification?
Specify workpiece material, starting hole, finished-hole tolerance and finish, cutting dimensions, flute form, lead geometry, shank, material grade, coating and coolant arrangement.
How do I check imported reamers before selling them?
Measure dimensions and runout, inspect cutting edges and packing, review material records and run a cutting trial in the agreed workpiece. Compare results with the approved sample.
What safety information should accompany machine reamers?
Adequate information for safe use and maintenance is required. Ask for mounting, operating and handling instructions matched to the tool and its intended application.