Sourcing metal QR asset tags from China

Duty and classification for metal QR asset tags

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 8310 covers sign-plates, nameplates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols of base metal, excluding heading 9405. Metal QR asset plates classified under 8310 00 00 00 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.

The table shows product variants under the same commodity line. Send the material specification, artwork, photographs and fixing details to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. For wider heading coverage and equipment identification, see metal machinery rating plates.

Specify the code, metal and fixing together

Specify the metal, thickness, dimensions, corner shape, marking method and finish. State the expected exposure to sunlight, cleaning chemicals, heat and abrasion. For adhesive tags, identify the actual surface and coating; for riveted or screwed tags, supply hole positions and fixing details. Approve a sample attached to the intended asset.

Supply an approved data file linking each asset identifier to its QR content and printed text. Agree code size, contrast, a clear border around the code and scanning with the intended phones or readers. Where the code opens a web page, agree who maintains the destination. Importers and sellers of consumer products are responsible for their safety. For such tags, include deburred edges and rounded corners in the specification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 anodised aluminium QR asset plates; illustrative order, FOB value and freight under 8310 00 00 00, invoiced at £800 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,400, so it is £280. 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

Data: compare decoded content and visible identifiers with the approved file; check the production list for duplicated, missing or mismatched records.

Scanning: scan sampled tags after fitting, using the intended devices and lighting; check glare, curved surfaces and interference from fixing holes.

Durability and fixing: repeat scanning after agreed cleaning and abrasion checks; test adhesive on the actual substrate or check mechanical fixing fit.

Finish and packing: measure dimensions and hole positions, check burrs and scratches, and reconcile packed identifiers with the delivery list. Use a shipment inspection.

What goes wrong

A QR code can scan successfully yet open the wrong asset record. Reused artwork, shifted spreadsheet rows and repeated identifiers can create this failure. Reconcile the decoded content with the approved asset list, rather than accepting a scan demonstration alone.

Reflective metal, weak contrast, scratches or a fixing covering part of the code can make tags unreadable. Adhesive can lift from textured or contaminated surfaces. Approve fitted samples, record the cleaning method and repeat scan checks after the agreed exposure tests.

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.