Sourcing magnetic filter bars from China
Magnetic filter bars and relevant magnet components classified under heading 8505 carry 0% UK duty from China in the supplied tariff data. Equipment sold for use at work must be safe so far as reasonably practicable. Specify capture performance, tube construction and cleaning conditions. Cambridge China Bridge sources magnetic filter bars.
Zero duty on relevant magnetic articles
Heading 8505 covers permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic holding devices and related articles and parts. The table lists magnet materials and parts relevant to filter-bar sourcing. It does not assign the same code to every finished stainless-steel bar, magnetic grid or complete separator. For wider heading coverage, see magnetic separator drums.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied heading 8505 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspensions. The tariff attaches a supplementary-unit import measure to specified goods under 8505 11 10 99 and 8505 19 90 89. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether it applies to your goods and what declaration is needed.
Confirm the commodity code using the magnet composition, construction drawing, operating function and description of what is shipped. Distinguish replacement bars from complete separation equipment. Keep the agreed classification with the purchase documents.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other rare-earth metal permanent magnets for filter bars | 8505 11 10 99 | 0% | None |
| Other metal permanent magnets for filter bars | 8505 11 90 99 | 0% | None |
| Agglomerated ferrite permanent magnets for filter bars | 8505 19 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Other parts of heading 8505 magnetic articles | 8505 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the magnetic core and sealed tube
Specify the contaminant to capture, the powder or liquid passing the bar, operating temperature and cleaning conditions. Agree magnet material and grade, tube material, diameter, active magnetic length, overall length, end fittings and mounting threads. Define the surface-field measurement positions and pull-test method, including the test piece, so factory and arrival results can be compared.
For food-contact use, the contact materials must not adversely affect food or drink. Ask for suitability evidence covering the actual tube, welds and any seals under your intended contact and cleaning conditions. Request material records and a sample cleaning trial. Articles sold for use at work must be safe so far as reasonably practicable; obtain instructions for handling, fitting, removal and cleaning.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 permanent-magnet filter bars, assuming this classification is confirmed under 8505 11 10 99, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,600, so it is £720. 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
Magnetic performance: map the surface field at agreed positions and repeat the agreed pull test against the approved sample; investigate weak sections.
Tube integrity: check straightness, dents, weld continuity, end closures and the agreed leak-test results; inspect for cracks or trapped polishing residue.
Fit and cleaning: measure the tube and fittings, trial-fit the bar in its holder and check that captured metal can be removed without damaging the surface.
Records and packing: match material records and test results to the delivered batch; check spacers protect bars from impact. Arrange these checks through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A high field reading at a single point can conceal weak sections along the tube. An unspecified pull test can produce results that cannot be compared. A bar may also perform poorly in the actual process because product bridges around it or flows beyond its effective capture area. Trial the sample with your material and installation before approving bulk production.
Porous end welds can admit cleaning liquid and allow the core to corrode. Rough welds and inaccessible crevices can retain product after cleaning. Heat can permanently reduce strength if the core exceeds its temperature rating. Compare magnetic performance before and after the agreed temperature and cleaning trial, and investigate damaged bars before use.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on magnetic filter bars from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty across heading 8505, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your finished bar belongs in this heading before using that rate.
Which specification matters most for a magnetic filter bar?
Agree capture performance under your process conditions, magnet grade, working temperature, tube material and end closures. Define the field and pull-test methods rather than accepting an unexplained strength claim.
What should I ask for if the bars will touch food?
Ask for suitability evidence for the actual tube, welds and seals under the intended food-contact and cleaning conditions. Food-contact materials must not adversely affect food or drink.
Can magnetic filter bars be shipped by air?
Ask the forwarder to confirm whether your strongly magnetised goods are subject to dangerous-goods rules for air transport. Ask about a field test and suitable packing, or consider sea freight.