Sourcing molybdenum rods from China
Molybdenum rods from China carry 0% UK duty across both relevant tariff lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Classification depends on whether the rods are obtained simply by sintering or undergo further working. Specify chemistry, density and dimensional tolerances. Cambridge China Bridge sources molybdenum rods.
Zero duty on sintered and worked rods
Heading 8102 covers molybdenum and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Rods obtained simply by sintering fall under 8102 94 00 00; rods other than those obtained simply by sintering fall under 8102 95 00 00. The table shows round and rectangular forms under these same tariff lines.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, both rod lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Waste controls are attached to powder, wire, scrap and other-article lines elsewhere in this heading; for goods falling under those lines, confirm the requirement with your customs broker.
Give your broker the composition, drawing and manufacturing route to confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see molybdenum sheet.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round molybdenum rods obtained simply by sintering | 8102 94 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Round molybdenum rods other than those obtained simply by sintering | 8102 95 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the rod grade and working route
Specify pure molybdenum or the required alloy, chemical composition, density, grain structure, diameter or cross-section, length, straightness, dimensional tolerances and surface finish. Record whether the rods are simply sintered or subsequently worked and annealed. Ask for batch-linked mill certificates rather than a generic grade sheet.
For furnace use, agree oxygen and carbon limits with the buyer's engineer and require results against those agreed limits. For machining stock, agree the condition and a sample machining check before accepting production. Arrange independent testing for the first delivery.
UK REACH generally applies to substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles. HSE notes that deciding whether an object is an article can be difficult. Before importing, ask a chemicals adviser to assess the rod's intended use and the relevant UK REACH obligations.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 kg of worked molybdenum rods under 8102 95 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £30,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,800, so it is £6,160. 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
Chemistry: match each batch marking to its mill certificate and compare independent analysis with the ordered composition, including oxygen and carbon where specified.
Dimensions: measure diameter or cross-section and length, check straightness, and record results against the drawing during inspection.
Condition: inspect for cracks, oxidation and surface damage; verify density against the agreed specification and review working and annealing records.
Packing: check rigid support, separation between rods and the agreed vacuum or inert-gas sealing with desiccant before the crates are closed.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
Rods that are not worked and annealed correctly can crack during machining. Sintered material below the agreed density can be porous and fail in furnace service. A certificate without a matching batch identity leaves you unable to connect the reported chemistry to the delivered rods.
Unsupported rods can arrive bent or chipped, while inadequate protection can leave oxidised surfaces. Photograph defects on arrival, retain the batch identity and hold affected stock pending inspection and testing against the purchase specification.
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 molybdenum rods from China?
Both relevant rod lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff facts, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Simply sintered rods and other rods use different commodity codes.
Which commodity code covers molybdenum rods?
Use 8102 94 00 00 for rods obtained simply by sintering and 8102 95 00 00 for other rods, subject to confirmation of the actual goods and manufacturing route.
What should I ask for on a molybdenum rod certificate?
Ask for batch identity, chemical analysis and density against the ordered grade. Match the certificate to the delivered rods and independently test the first delivery.
How do I reduce cracking when machining molybdenum rods?
Agree the working and annealing condition with the supplier, inspect for cracks and approve a sample machining check using the intended process before accepting production.