Sourcing oxy-fuel cutting torch nozzles from China

2% duty on replacement cutting nozzles

Heading 8468 covers soldering, brazing and welding apparatus capable of cutting, gas-operated surface tempering equipment and parts. This guide concerns replacement cutting torch nozzles. The table shows product variants sharing the parts line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. For complete equipment, see oxy-fuel profile cutting machines.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all supplied lines carried 2% duty for goods from China. The parts line lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. These tariff findings do not establish product safety compliance. UK suppliers remain responsible for meeting applicable product safety obligations.

For nozzles imported separately, use 8468 90 00 00 as the starting point and confirm the commodity code against the drawing and intended equipment. Tell the broker if the shipment includes complete torches or machines. The import duty and VAT guide explains the calculation.

Specify the gas, torch head and nozzle geometry

Give the factory the torch manufacturer and model, fuel gas, nozzle drawing and an approved sample. Specify the seating profile, retaining arrangement, overall shape, cutting oxygen bore and preheat passages. Agree the material, surface finish and packaging protection. Do not approve compatibility from a photograph alone.

Ask for operating instructions identifying the intended gas, nozzle size, cutting thickness range and oxygen and fuel pressure settings. HSE guidance advises using the correct gas pressures and nozzle size for the job. Have a competent operator assess samples on the intended torch before approving production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 250 replacement cutting torch nozzles under 8468 90 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £150 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,650. Duty at 2% is £53. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,703, so it is £540.60. Import taxes total £593.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £53 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: compare sampled nozzles with the approved drawing and torch head; check seating, retention and sealing surfaces without forcing the assembly.

Passages: inspect the cutting bore and preheat passages for burrs, blockage, damage and machining debris; compare their positions with the approved sample.

Performance: have a competent operator check the assembled torch for leaks, then assess flame stability and cutting behaviour using the agreed gas and settings.

Identification: check that nozzle markings and package labels distinguish gas type and size, and that the supplied instructions match the batch. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

An apparent match can conceal a different seating profile or preheat arrangement. A nozzle may fit the retaining nut but fail to seal correctly, or produce an uneven flame. Mixed sizes, damaged seats and debris in the passages are reasons to hold the batch for investigation.

Keep the approved sample and inspection records so replacements can be compared with the original specification. Ask the factory to demonstrate its seat machining, passage inspection and packing controls through factory verification.

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.