Sourcing exhaust manifold gaskets from China

0% duty on metal-composite manifold gaskets

Heading 8484 covers gaskets of metal sheeting combined with other material, gaskets made from multiple metal layers, gasket assortments and mechanical seals. Metal-composite exhaust manifold gaskets belong to the metal-sheeting category. The table shows construction variants using the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff lines.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, commodity code 8484 10 00 90 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control for this line. The absence of a tariff control does not remove the asbestos prohibition.

Confirm the commodity code using the material composition, construction drawing and whether the goods are individual gaskets or an assortment of different materials. The engine cylinder-head gasket guide covers related engine sealing products within the wider heading.

Specify the engine fit and composite construction

Give the factory the engine identification, part reference and approved drawing. Specify exhaust-port shape, bolt and stud positions, locating features, gasket thickness, metal grade, filler composition, facing and any sealing embossments. State which side faces the cylinder head and whether the gasket is supplied individually or as a connected strip.

Agree the operating conditions and a sample fit-check on the intended cylinder head and manifold. Request sealing validation through heating and cooling under the agreed assembly conditions. Specify asbestos-free materials and obtain a declaration supported by laboratory testing of fibre-containing material. Importing and supplying products with intentionally added asbestos is prohibited.

Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. For aftermarket gaskets intended for consumer vehicles, assess leakage and exhaust-gas risks and agree fitting information appropriate to the application.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 150 metal-composite exhaust manifold gaskets under 8484 10 00 90, invoiced at £1,500 free on board, with £184 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,684. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,684, so it is £336.80. 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

Fit: compare port openings, stud holes and locating features with the approved drawing and mating parts; check that the gasket does not obstruct an exhaust port.

Construction: measure thickness and inspect filler, metal facing, embossments and edge coverage; reject exposed loose filler, delamination or changes from the approved sample.

Condition: inspect for bent sections, creases, corrosion, burrs and damaged sealing faces after unpacking.

Identity: match part references and batch identification to the order and material-test records; retain samples from each delivered batch. Agree these checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A visually similar gasket can have the wrong port spacing or stud pattern. Substituted filler, incorrect thickness or flattened embossments can change compression and cause leakage after heating and cooling. Rough edges and transport damage can also prevent the gasket from seating correctly.

Do not approve a material substitution from photographs alone. Compare the delivered construction with the approved sample, repeat fit and sealing checks when materials change, and keep the asbestos test tied to the supplied material. A supplier declaration alone is insufficient purchasing evidence for fibre-containing filler.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.