Sourcing magnesia-spinel bricks from China

Zero duty on the relevant refractory brick line

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6902 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding siliceous-earth products. Magnesia-spinel bricks fit 6902 10 00 00 where magnesium, calcium and chromium, expressed as their specified oxides, singly or together exceed 50% by weight. The table shows different brick shapes sharing this line.

The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. It attaches import waste control, export waste control and a cultural-object export licence measure. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the exporter must seek consent from the dispatch-country authority. For a Chinese waste consignment, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the batch chemical analysis and goods description. Ask your broker to check the attached controls for the actual consignment. For the wider product family, see magnesia refractory bricks.

Specify the spinel content and lining geometry

Specify magnesia and alumina content, declared spinel content, whether spinel is added or formed during firing, and the agreed impurity limits. Record the furnace or kiln application, contact materials, operating conditions and thermal cycling. Ask the supplier to explain the proposed grade against those conditions.

Agree drawings for straight bricks, wedges and special shapes, including orientation, dimensions, tolerances and joint allowance. Set acceptance values for bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, refractoriness under load and permanent dimensional change on heating. Match the test report to the supplied batch rather than accepting a generic catalogue sheet.

Employers must assess and control dust-exposure risks under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Ask for composition and handling information so the installer can assess cutting and grinding tasks.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container order of magnesia-spinel 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

Composition: compare batch analysis with the agreed magnesia, alumina, spinel and impurity specification; arrange independent sample testing where needed.

Shape: measure dimensions, wedge angles and warpage against the lining drawing; check cracks, chipped corners and damaged working faces.

Properties: compare batch density, porosity, strength and heating-test results with the contract; retain samples and matching batch records.

Packing: check dry, sealed protection, pallet stability and shape identification; inspect for damp packaging and cracked bricks on arrival.

What goes wrong

A shared grade name can conceal different chemistry or test performance. Incorrect wedge geometry makes joints uneven, while excessive dimensional variation disrupts the lining layout. Poor thermal shock resistance can cause spalling during temperature cycling.

Magnesia-bearing bricks can hydrate and crack after damp storage. Separate wet or damaged stock and document its condition before installation. Agree sampling and acceptance decisions in advance through your inspection plan.

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.