Sourcing magnesia-carbon bricks from China

Duty and composition

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, heading 6902 covers refractory ceramic constructional goods. Code 6902 10 00 00 covers goods containing, by weight, singly or together, more than 50% of magnesium, calcium or chromium expressed as their oxides. Magnesia-carbon bricks meeting that description carry 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.

The tariff attaches an import waste control, alongside export waste and cultural-object licence entries. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For spent bricks, scrap or other potentially discarded material from China, confirm the applicable import requirement with your customs broker before shipment. The supplied entries do not establish which waste procedure applies to a particular consignment.

Use the batch chemical analysis and product description to confirm the commodity code. The table shows brick shapes sharing the same composition-based line, rather than separate tariff classifications. See the wider magnesia refractory brick guide for related products.

Specify the magnesia-carbon grade

Specify magnesia content, carbon content, graphite type, binder and antioxidant additions. Name the furnace or ladle application, slag conditions and operating cycle. Agree dimensions, tolerances and the position of each special shape against the lining drawing.

Set acceptance criteria for bulk density, apparent porosity and cold crushing strength, with agreed test methods and batch reports. Ask for evidence of oxidation resistance and performance under your intended service conditions. Agree dry, sealed packing and storage instructions.

Obtain handling and cutting information for the actual formulation. HSE guidance says exposure to hazardous substances must be adequately controlled where it cannot be prevented; plan any cutting or grinding around that guidance.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container order of magnesia-carbon refractory bricks under 6902 10 00 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,000, so it is £3,400. 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

Chemistry: compare batch results for magnesia and carbon with the agreed grade, and arrange independent checks where needed.

Properties: check density, porosity and cold crushing strength against the contract; confirm the samples represent the shipment.

Shape: measure dimensions and wedge angles against the drawing, and inspect for cracks, lamination, chipped corners and damaged joint faces.

Packing: check sealed wrapping, dry pallets, corner protection and batch identification; record damp or broken packs on arrival.

What goes wrong

A familiar grade name can conceal changes in graphite, binder or additives. Those changes can affect oxidation and service performance even when the magnesia result looks acceptable. Require approval before substitutions and trial the selected grade under the intended operating conditions.

Moisture can hydrate magnesia and cause cracking before installation. Wrong wedge geometry prevents the lining from closing as drawn, while chipped joint faces leave gaps. Keep suspect batches separate and record the defects against the agreed inspection checklist.

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.