Sourcing metal extrusion dies from China
Metal extrusion dies from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no recorded trade remedies. Workplace supply requires safety information and necessary testing or examination, so agree press compatibility and trial acceptance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal extrusion dies.
Duty on metal extrusion dies
Heading 8207 covers interchangeable tools, including dies for drawing or extruding metal. Metal extrusion dies fall within the branches distinguished by their working material: diamond or agglomerated diamond, and other materials. The table separates material examples within those tariff lines; repeated codes represent the same line.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, both relevant lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for either line.
Confirm the commodity code using the die's function and working material. For other tools within the wider heading, see the sheet metal punching tools guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal extrusion dies with a diamond working part | 8207 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Metal extrusion dies with a steel working part | 8207 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the profile and press interface
Send the finished profile drawing, alloy, intended extrusion process and press interface drawing. Agree die diameter and thickness, locating features, supporting tooling and whether the profile is solid or hollow. Specify the working material, heat treatment, hardness and any nitriding, with tolerances and acceptance criteria recorded on the approved drawing.
Agree a trial using the intended alloy and record the operating conditions. Assess profile dimensions, straightness, twist and surface finish, including weld seams on hollow profiles. Set out who approves corrections and how revised drawings are identified.
HSE describes a workplace supply duty, so far as reasonably practicable, covering safe use, setting, cleaning and maintenance, including safety information and necessary testing or examination. Ask for handling, installation and maintenance instructions specific to the die.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative trial batch of custom steel extrusion dies; values in whole pounds, not a quotation under 8207 20 90 00, invoiced at £4,500 free on board, with £450 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,950. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,950, so it is £990. 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
Identity and fit: on arrival, match each die to the approved drawing revision and measure the mounting dimensions, locating features and support interfaces.
Material and treatment: match material certificates and heat-treatment records to the die identification; compare sample hardness readings with the agreed specification.
Working surfaces: inspect bearings, ports and mandrels for burrs, cracks, damage and uneven finishing; compare critical geometry with the drawing.
Trial and packing: review trial profiles and measurement records, then check corrosion protection, restraints and protected working faces. Agree the scope through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A die can fit the press yet produce a twisted or uneven profile when metal flow is poorly balanced. Incorrect bearing geometry, unsuitable heat treatment and rough working surfaces can cause dimensional drift, cracking or surface lines. A trial profile made from a different alloy or under undocumented conditions gives a weak basis for acceptance.
Corrections can leave the supplier working from a different drawing revision than the buyer. Keep an approved revision record and require fresh trial evidence after changes. Check arrival damage before installation, particularly on exposed mandrels and bearing edges.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on metal extrusion dies from China?
Both relevant tariff lines carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.
What should I send a Chinese extrusion die factory?
The profile and press interface drawings, intended alloy, solid or hollow profile design, working material, heat treatment and agreed trial acceptance criteria.
How do I approve an extrusion die before shipment?
Review a trial using the intended alloy, recorded operating conditions and measured profile dimensions. Check straightness, twist, finish and hollow-profile weld seams against agreed criteria.
What safety information should accompany an extrusion die?
Ask for die-specific handling, installation, use and maintenance instructions. HSE's workplace supply guidance includes safety information and testing or examination necessary to ensure compliance.