Sourcing magnesium alloy forgings from China

Duty and classification for magnesium forgings

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8104 covers magnesium and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Magnesium alloy forgings considered under its other-articles line use 8104 90 00 00. The table shows possible forging forms sharing that line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied snapshot records 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. These findings concern the tariff line; they do not establish the classification of every finished component.

A recognisable machine component may belong with the machine rather than the magnesium heading. Give your customs broker the drawing, material specification, machining state and intended use, and confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading context, see magnesium alloy casting blanks.

Specify the alloy and forging condition

State the alloy designation and agreed chemistry limits, heat-treatment condition, grain-flow expectations and mechanical properties. Supply a controlled drawing showing finished dimensions, machining allowances, datum surfaces and where flash may be removed. Specify whether the supplier delivers a forging blank or a machined component.

Ask for material analysis linked to the melt, forging and heat-treatment records linked to the batch, and test results representing the supplied condition. Agree how test specimens relate to the forging and which surfaces need examination for cracks or laps. Confirm that the factory performs forging rather than substituting a casting.

UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles as well as substances on their own or in mixtures. Review the alloy and any surface treatment when checking your obligations for sale in Great Britain; request composition information from the supplier.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 20 magnesium alloy forgings, subject to classification under 8104 90 00 00, invoiced at £50,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £52,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £52,500, so it is £10,500. 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

Material: match batch markings to the chemistry report and check the agreed alloy limits, including iron, nickel and copper.

Process and properties: match forging and heat-treatment records to the delivery, and compare mechanical test results with the ordered condition.

Dimensions and surface: measure machining stock and datum features; examine flash-trimmed areas, corners and surfaces for laps, cracks and corrosion.

Packing and identity: keep batches distinguishable, protect contact surfaces and check for moisture or rubbing damage when unpacking.

What goes wrong

A casting supplied against a forging order can resemble the approved shape while lacking the agreed process history. Other failures include the wrong heat-treatment condition, copied material reports, laps concealed by surface finishing and insufficient machining stock. Approve process evidence alongside the sample, rather than relying on appearance.

Cracks can become visible only after machining, while damp packing can leave corrosion on surfaces intended for finishing. Agree defect acceptance and the response to failed tests before ordering. Link every inspection result to the delivered batch so that affected material can be isolated.

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.