Sourcing metal cryogenic Dewars from China
Metal cryogenic vacuum Dewars from China carry 0% UK duty under the supplied vacuum-vessel line. Confirm whether the design is vented or pressurised: pressure-equipment rules cover maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar, subject to exclusions. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal cryogenic vacuum Dewars.
Duty and the vacuum-vessel classification
Heading 9617 covers complete vacuum flasks and other vacuum vessels, and their parts other than glass inners. This guide concerns metal cryogenic vacuum Dewars imported empty. The table shows product forms sharing the single supplied tariff line, rather than separate commodity subdivisions. See the vacuum flasks and tumblers guide for the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, code 9617 00 00 00 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Those tariff findings do not establish whether a particular pressure-equipment design meets the rules for sale.
Give your customs broker the construction drawing, intended cryogen, pressure rating and details of any valves or dispensing assembly. Confirm the commodity code for the actual product before ordering; do not rely solely on the supplier calling it a Dewar.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-neck metal cryogenic vacuum Dewars | 9617 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the cryogen, neck and pressure design
Specify the intended cryogen, usable capacity, inner and outer metal grades, neck opening, access for inserts, stopper design, handles and base. Agree an evaporation test with the filling conditions, ambient conditions, measurement method and acceptance criteria recorded. Ask for material certificates and test records tied to the ordered model.
For Great Britain, pressure-equipment rules cover designs with maximum allowable pressure above 0.5 bar, subject to exclusions. Ask the supplier to document the classification and applicable conformity route. Where those importer duties apply, check the manufacturer's conformity assessment and identification details; the equipment must also have clear English instructions. Arrange a testing and certification review before approving the design.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of metal cryogenic vacuum Dewars for a laboratory equipment supplier under 9617 00 00 00, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £34,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £34,500, so it is £6,900. 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
Vacuum performance: compare production-sample evaporation results with the agreed method and acceptance criteria. Record the sample identity and investigate unexpected frosting or increased evaporation.
Neck and venting: check the supplied stopper against the approved drawing and confirm the vapour escape path remains clear. Official cryogen guidance recommends open containers or a vent that allows vapour to escape, with checks for icing.
Construction: inspect neck alignment, accessible welds, handles, base stability and dents around the vacuum jacket. Match material records and model identification to the shipment.
Documents and packing: match test reports, instructions and accessories to the actual model. Check protective packing around the neck and fittings, then repeat damage checks on arrival. Agree the scope through the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A Dewar can look intact while its vacuum performance has deteriorated. Transit damage to the neck or jacket, inconsistent weld quality and a substituted stopper are reasons to investigate. A holding-time claim is difficult to assess when the factory omits the filling and measurement conditions.
Do not accept a generic certificate for a different pressure design or model. A stopper that obstructs the intended vent path also warrants rejection against the approved specification. Keep suspect units out of use until the supplier and your technical reviewer have resolved the discrepancy.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on metal cryogenic Dewars from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for 9617 00 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the actual Dewar belongs in this vacuum-vessel line.
Do cryogenic Dewars need pressure-equipment checks?
Check the design and maximum allowable pressure. The rules cover pressure equipment above 0.5 bar, subject to exclusions; ask for the supplier's documented classification.
How do I check a Dewar's evaporation claim?
Agree the cryogen, filling conditions, ambient conditions and measurement method. Compare production-sample results with the agreed acceptance criteria, using trained personnel.
What should I check when the Dewars arrive?
Check the neck, vacuum jacket, handles, stopper and fittings for damage or substitution. Match model identification, material records and test reports, then verify performance before acceptance.