Sourcing metalworking broaches from China
Metalworking broaches from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant tariff lines. Tools supplied for use at work must be safe so far as reasonably practicable and accompanied by adequate safe-use information. Agree tooth geometry and machine fit before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources metalworking broaches.
Duty and classification for metalworking broaches
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 8207 covers interchangeable tools, including broaches. Metalworking broaches with a non-diamond working part fall under 8207 60 70 00; broaches with a diamond or agglomerated diamond working part fall under 8207 60 10 00.
Both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The table separates common broach applications sharing the same code; these are product variants, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
Confirm the working-part material and actual cutting operation against the commodity code guide. For related tools across the wider heading, see the machine reamers guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metalworking keyway broaches, non-diamond working part | 8207 60 70 00 | 0% | None |
| Broaches with diamond or agglomerated diamond working part | 8207 60 10 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the tooth progression and machine interface
Specify whether the broach cuts a keyway, internal spline, shaped hole or external surface. Supply the finished profile drawing, workpiece material and hardness, starting-hole dimensions, cutting length and acceptance tolerances. Agree the cutting direction, tooth pitch, rise per tooth, chip space and finishing teeth with the factory.
State the tool material grade, heat treatment, hardness, coating and regrinding allowance. Match the pull end or push face, guides, bushings and shims to the intended machine and fixture. Approve a cutting trial on representative workpieces before accepting the production design.
Tools supplied for use at work must be safe so far as reasonably practicable and accompanied by adequate information for safe use. Request instructions covering mounting, operating conditions, handling sharp teeth and recognising damage.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed batch of replacement keyway and spline broaches for a machining business under 8207 60 70 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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
Profile: measure the finished tooth profile, tooth progression, pitch and straightness against the approved drawing; check the pull end or push face against the machine interface.
Material: compare material certificates with the agreed grade and independently check sample hardness against the specified heat treatment.
Cutting trial: cut representative workpieces using the agreed fixture and conditions; inspect profile size, surface finish, burrs, chip evacuation and tooth damage.
Arrival condition: check for chipped teeth, corrosion and bent bodies; verify identification and instructions, and ensure individual supports protect cutting edges. Agree these checks through the inspection guide.
What goes wrong
A broach can match the final profile drawing yet overload the machine because its tooth progression or chip space is unsuitable. Incorrect starting holes, mismatched guides and poor alignment can cause jamming, tapered cuts or broken teeth. Trial the complete broach, fixture and workpiece combination.
Soft teeth lose size as they wear; brittle teeth chip, and grinding damage can shorten tool life. Loose packing lets adjacent tools damage each other. Compare batch inspection results with the approved sample and keep damaged arrivals out of production pending assessment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on metalworking broaches from China?
The relevant broach lines carry 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures for these lines.
Which commodity code covers steel metalworking broaches?
8207 60 70 00 covers metalworking broaches with working parts of materials other than diamond. Diamond or agglomerated diamond working parts fall under 8207 60 10 00.
What should I send a Chinese broach factory?
Send the finished profile drawing, workpiece material and hardness, starting-hole dimensions, machine interface and acceptance tolerances. Agree tooth progression and a representative cutting trial.
How do I check broaches before shipment?
Check tooth geometry, straightness, material and hardness, then trial the broach on representative workpieces. Check the finished profile and surface, tooth damage, identification and protective packing.