Sourcing mild steel key stock from China
Mild steel key stock from China has a recorded UK duty of 50% across the relevant lines of heading 7215. Classification depends on carbon content, section and processing, so confirm the material rather than relying on the description 'key steel'. Cambridge China Bridge sources mild steel key stock.
Duty and classification for key stock
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7215 covers other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel. For cold-finished mild steel key stock, rectangular and square sections have separate lines when carbon content is below 0.25%. The table also identifies higher-carbon stock and a free-cutting alternative; neither should be accepted as an unspecified substitute.
The supplied tariff record shows 50% duty on every listed line for goods from China, with no separate anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded. The wider published guide discusses quota treatment, but this snapshot does not record it. Budget using the recorded rate and ask your broker to confirm any quota entitlement before shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemistry, section and manufacturing process. See bright steel bars for the wider heading. The forthcoming carbon border adjustment mechanism comes into effect on 1 January 2027; confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether these lines fall within its scope. Ask the mill for emissions information when planning continuing supply.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-finished rectangular key stock, carbon below 0.25% | 7215 50 11 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished square key stock, carbon below 0.25% | 7215 50 19 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished key stock, carbon 0.25% or more | 7215 50 80 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished free-cutting steel stock, if specified instead of mild steel | 7215 10 00 00 | 50% | None |
Specify the section and keyway fit
State the steel grade and chemical composition, rectangular or square section, width, thickness, length, dimensional tolerances and straightness. Specify cold-drawn or ground finish, corner treatment, surface defect limits and corrosion protection. Agree the fit with your shaft and hub drawings rather than ordering by the term 'key steel' alone.
Ask for a mill inspection certificate showing chemistry and heat identity. Keep free-cutting material separate from ordinary mild steel in the enquiry. Approve a sample against a representative keyway, and record whether the stock will be cut and finished by your workshop or supplied ready for use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business order: bundled rectangular mild steel key stock, sent by air under 7215 50 11 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,000. Duty at 50% is £2,500. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,500, so it is £1,500. Import taxes total £4,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,500 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material: match bundle labels and heat numbers to the mill certificate and agreed grade.
Dimensions: measure width and thickness along the bars, then check length, straightness and corner shape against the drawing.
Fit: try a sample in the agreed keyway and check that burrs or rounded corners do not prevent seating.
Condition: inspect for seams, scratches, rust and damaged ends; check protective wrapping and bundle identification. Use the inspection guide to agree the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Stock can match its nominal size yet fail to seat because thickness, corner shape or straightness is wrong. Mixed grades can look alike, while rust and surface seams can become apparent only after cutting. Keep each heat identifiable and compare incoming stock with the approved sample before releasing it to production.
A supplier's description may conceal a free-cutting substitution or a different carbon content, changing both the material specification and commodity line. Require written approval for substitutions and have the broker check the declaration against the certificate.
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 mild steel key stock from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 50% on the relevant 7215 lines, with no separate trade remedy or suspension recorded. Ask your broker to confirm any quota entitlement.
Do square and rectangular key stock use the same code?
Not for cold-finished stock below 0.25% carbon: rectangular sections use 7215 50 11 00, while square sections fall under 7215 50 19 00.
What should I put on a key stock enquiry?
Specify grade, chemistry, section, width, thickness, length, tolerances, straightness, finish, corners and corrosion protection. Include the mating keyway drawing.
How do I check key stock when it arrives?
Match heat labels to certificates, measure the section along the bars, check straightness and corners, and try a sample in the agreed keyway. Inspect for rust and surface seams.