Sourcing metal cans, drums and tins from China
Iron or steel tanks, drums, kegs, cans, tins and boxes of 300 litres or less from China, including food cans, gift tins and paint cans, pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Tins for food need food contact evidence for the lacquer, drums for dangerous goods need UN packaging approval, and metal packaging counts for packaging EPR. Cambridge China Bridge sources cans, tins and drums.
Steel drums, tanks, food and drink cans, tins and boxes up to 300 litres pay 0% UK duty from China. Food contact, UN packaging and EPR explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, iron or steel containers of heading 7310, from 50 to 300 litres and under 50 litres, including cans for preserving food or drink, other cans with thin or thick walls, and other containers, carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Aluminium cans are in heading 7612, and containers over 300 litres in 7309; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Containers of 50 to 300 litres, other | 7310 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Cans for preserving food | 7310 21 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Cans for preserving drink | 7310 21 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Other closed cans, wall under 0.5 mm | 7310 21 91 00 | 0% | None |
| Other containers, wall under 0.5 mm, such as gift tins | 7310 29 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other containers, other | 7310 29 90 90 | 0% | None |
Food contact
Tins that hold food need food contact evidence for the tinplate and any internal lacquer, with a declaration of compliance and migration test report. Printed outer surfaces should not transfer to food.
Dangerous goods and packaging EPR
Drums and cans used to transport dangerous goods must be UN-approved packaging tested for that use, with the UN marking on each unit, so ask for the test certificate. Metal packaging you supply also counts towards packaging EPR reporting, although steel is outside Plastic Packaging Tax.
Print and inspection
Approve printed tins on a pre-production sample with Pantone references, and specify seams, lids and embossing. At inspection, check dents, rust, print registration and lid fit.
Cambridge China Bridge sources food cans, gift tins and steel drums, with food contact, UN approval and print settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on tin cans from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, iron or steel cans, tins, drums and boxes of 300 litres or less carried 0% duty from China.
Do food tins need testing?
Yes. Tins holding food need food contact evidence for the tinplate and lacquer, with a declaration of compliance.
Do drums for chemicals need approval?
Drums used to transport dangerous goods must be UN-approved packaging with the UN marking.
Are aluminium cans in heading 7310?
No. Aluminium cans are in heading 7612.