Sourcing oxy-acetylene tips from China

2% duty on welding torch parts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8468 covers non-electric soldering, brazing and welding apparatus, whether or not capable of cutting, and gas-operated surface tempering equipment. Separately supplied oxy-acetylene welding tips are candidates for the parts line, 8468 90 00 00. The table shows tip variants sharing that parts code.

Every line in the supplied tariff snapshot carries 2% duty for goods from China. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This tariff position does not replace the supplier's duty to supply safe work equipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawings, intended torch and whether the shipment contains separate tips or complete torches. For the wider heading, see oxy-fuel cutting torch nozzles. Welding tips and cutting nozzles should have separate specifications.

Specify the torch connection and welding flame

Name the intended torch make and model, and specify oxy-acetylene welding use. Agree the material, bore, tip length, bend, connection thread and sealing-seat geometry against a drawing and approved sample. Ask the factory to identify compatible mixers and provide gas-pressure and work-thickness guidance for each tip.

Specify how each size will be identified and packed. Ask for English fitting, cleaning and operating guidance, with clear compatibility information. A catalogue size designation alone is insufficient for checking the bore or connection. Use factory verification to assess the supplier's machining, gauging and test facilities.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 replacement oxy-acetylene welding tips under 8468 90 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £650 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,150. Duty at 2% is £63. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,213, so it is £642.60. Import taxes total £705.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £63 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: assemble sampled tips on the intended torch and check the thread, seating contact and secure attachment against the approved sample.

Bore and finish: check the outlet and internal passage for burrs, swarf and obstruction; inspect sealing faces for scratches and distortion.

Function: arrange a controlled test by a trained operator on the specified torch, following its instructions; record leakage and flame stability at the agreed settings.

Identification and packing: check size markings, compatibility information and English guidance; inspect arrival samples for damaged outlets, mixed sizes and contamination. Agree the checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A tip can resemble the approved sample yet have a different thread or seat. Burrs, damaged outlets and mixed size markings are other rejection points to include in the purchase specification. HSE identifies a partly blocked nozzle as a possible cause of backfire.

Hold suspect stock apart and resolve the fault with the supplier before release. Keep the drawing, approved sample and test records together so replacements can be checked against the same specification. Recheck compatibility when the factory changes the tip design or manufacturing process.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.