Sourcing metal-bearing ash and residues from China
Slag, ash and residues containing metals from China, other than from iron and steel making, including zinc dross, hard zinc spelter and copper, aluminium, nickel or tin residues, pay 0% UK duty on all thirteen lines of heading 2620, with no anti-dumping duty. The lines carry the waste import control, so documents must be settled before shipping. Buyers pay on assay.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, heading 2620 covers slag, ash and residues containing metals, arsenic or their compounds, other than from the manufacture of iron or steel, split by main metal. All thirteen lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
The lines carry the waste import control: material that is still waste needs the information document for green-list waste, or prior written notification and consent for notifiable waste, arranged before it leaves China; material that is not waste clears on a declaration. Residues containing lead, arsenic, mercury, thallium, cadmium or similar substances are more likely to be hazardous and notifiable, so confirm the classification with the Environment Agency or the relevant UK regulator before contracting.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard zinc spelter | 2620 11 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other residues containing mainly zinc | 2620 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Leaded gasoline sludges and leaded anti-knock compound sludges | 2620 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other residues containing mainly lead | 2620 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly copper | 2620 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly aluminium | 2620 40 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing arsenic, mercury or thallium, for extraction | 2620 60 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing antimony, beryllium, cadmium or chromium | 2620 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly nickel | 2620 99 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly niobium or tantalum | 2620 99 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly tin | 2620 99 40 00 | 0% | None |
| Residues containing mainly titanium | 2620 99 60 00 | 0% | None |
| Other metal-bearing slag, ash and residues | 2620 99 95 00 | 0% | None |
Assay and specification
Specify the main metal and its content, moisture, deleterious elements, particle size, and packing. Agree the assay laboratory, sampling method and umpire arrangement in the contract, because price depends on metal content.
The receiving plant must be permitted to accept the material. Ask the buyer or smelter for its acceptance criteria before shipping.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 50 tonnes of zinc dross under 2620 19 00 00, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £64,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £64,000, so it is £12,800. 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
Sampling: agree and witness sampling at loading.
Assay: check metal content and deleterious elements.
Documents: check waste classification and shipment documents. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Residue orders fail on assay and waste documents. Metal content is below the contract, hazardous elements are found at the smelter, and shipments leave China without the notification the material needs.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on zinc dross from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, zinc residues under heading 2620 carried 0% from China.
Are metal-bearing residues controlled as waste?
Yes. The lines carry the waste control; residues with lead, arsenic, mercury or cadmium are more likely to be notifiable.
Is iron and steel slag in heading 2620?
No. Slag from iron and steel making is heading 2618 or 2619.
How are residues priced?
On metal content by agreed assay, with deductions for moisture and deleterious elements.