Sourcing metal valve tags from China

Duty and classification for metal valve 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 articles of heading 9405. Metal plates identifying valves are the product family considered here.

The supplied record lists 0% duty for goods from China under 8310 00 00 00. It records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. The table shows different valve-tag designs using the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff lines.

Send the material specification, artwork, photographs and details of any supplied attachments to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. For wider heading coverage, see our metal cable marker plates guide.

Specify the valve schedule and attachment

Specify metal grade, thickness, shape, dimensions, corner finish and fixing-hole position. Choose engraving, etching, stamping or printing, and agree marking depth or contrast against an approved sample. State exposure to heat, moisture and cleaning chemicals. Specify whether chains, wire loops or rings are included, their material and how they attach without obstructing valve operation.

Supply a controlled valve schedule showing each identifier, service description, quantity and any reverse-side text. Agree how tags will be grouped for installation. If the tag carries information required for the equipment, check that information against the applicable equipment rules before manufacture.

UK REACH Candidate List inclusion brings obligations for suppliers of the substance. Ask the factory for composition information covering the metal, coatings and colour fills so you can assess the applicable obligations before supplying the tags.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 engraved stainless steel valve identification tags; illustrative quantity, 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

Identifiers: compare finished tags with the approved valve schedule; check missing, duplicate and transposed identifiers, service descriptions and reverse-side text.

Dimensions and edges: measure thickness, outline and fixing-hole position against the drawing; check for burrs, sharp corners and distorted holes.

Marking and finish: compare legibility and contrast with the approved sample; use the agreed cleaning-agent rub test and check for fading, loose colour fill or surface damage.

Attachments and packing: trial-fit the supplied fastening on the intended valve arrangement; check closure, clearance and grouping by installation area. Repeat these checks on arrival and use our inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A well-finished tag can still identify the wrong valve. Old schedules, duplicated identifiers and mixed installation packs cause confusion during maintenance. Freeze the approved schedule before production, record revisions and reconcile the delivered tags against it before fitting.

Shallow marking can become difficult to read after cleaning, while unsuitable colour fill can wipe away. Rough holes damage attachment wire, and loose rings allow tags to detach. Approve the tag and fastening together, then compare production samples with that assembly.

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.