Sourcing plastic cable drag chains from China
Plastic cable drag chains provisionally classified under 3926 90 97 90 carry 6% UK duty across the listed variants, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm classification and obtain UK REACH substance information before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources plastic cable drag chains.
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UK duty on plastic cable drag chains
Heading 3926 covers other articles of plastics. The table repeats a provisional residual code for drag-chain variants, rather than separate tariff lines. Classification can change where machinery-parts provisions apply. Give your broker drawings, materials, construction and intended use, then confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see nylon cable ties.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 12 December 2026, code 3926 90 97 90 carried 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The line has suspensions for specified products and uses, including authorised use. The supplied descriptions do not establish eligibility for ordinary plastic cable drag chains. The worked order and values are illustrative.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches veterinary control, an import prohibition concerning torture and repression goods, and a related export restriction to this code. Their application to these drag chains remains unconfirmed. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for goods from China before shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Openable plastic cable drag chains, subject to classification | 3926 90 97 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the cable space, bend and mounting
Specify usable internal height and width, external envelope, link pitch, bend radius, assembled length and end-bracket hole positions. State which side opens, how crossbars latch and whether separators are removable. Give the supplier the cable and hose layout, travel, speed, acceleration, unsupported span and installation orientation. Agree a loaded movement test using your intended cable bundle.
Fix the resin grade, reinforcement, permitted recycled content, colour and resistance needed against coolant, oil and operating temperatures. Ask for material information covering links, crossbars, separators and additives. Confirm with HSE which UK REACH safe-use information duties apply to Candidate List substances in these articles, including substance identification when supplying recipients who use or handle the articles at work.
For workplace supply, provide safe-use information, necessary revisions to that information, and testing or examination needed for compliance. Agree installation and maintenance information covering mounting orientation, cable loading, opening the crossbars and replacing damaged links. Record the conditions behind any claimed movement life.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 600 openable plastic cable drag chain assemblies; values are illustrative under 3926 90 97 90, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 6% is £384. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,784, so it is £1,356.80. Import taxes total £1,740.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £384 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure internal clearance, bend radius, link pitch, assembled length and bracket holes against the approved drawing. Trial-fit the end brackets to the intended mounting points.
Movement: run the assembled chain with the intended cable bundle through the agreed travel. Check for twisting, sagging, joint binding, crossbars opening and cables rubbing or pulling tight.
Moulding: inspect hinge pins, side plates, latches and crossbars for cracks, sharp flash, short moulding and distortion. Open and close crossbars repeatedly and compare joint play with the approved sample.
Arrival: check for crushed side plates, displaced separators and missing brackets or fasteners. Confirm length and variant identification, then repeat assembly and movement checks. Plan the checks with the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Matching the advertised internal size does not establish interchangeability. Different link pitches, bracket holes or bend radii can prevent installation or strain the cables. Approve a complete assembly on the intended mounting arrangement, rather than judging a loose link or catalogue photograph.
A chain can move smoothly when empty yet twist, sag or release crossbars when loaded. Resin substitution, weak hinge mouldings and poorly retained separators can cause brittle joints or cable abrasion. Retain an approved assembly and require approval before changes to materials, tooling or joint construction.
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 plastic cable drag chains from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% under provisional code 3926 90 97 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm classification and any suspension eligibility for your exact product.
Which commodity code should I use for plastic cable drag chains?
3926 90 97 90 is a provisional option within this guide. Give your broker drawings, materials and intended use, particularly where the chain is supplied as a machinery part.
Will a Chinese drag chain fit my existing machine?
Check link pitch, bend radius, external envelope and end-bracket holes as well as internal cable space. Approve a complete assembly on the intended mounting points.
How should I test plastic cable drag chains before shipment?
Use the intended cable bundle and agreed travel, speed, acceleration and support arrangement. Check joint movement, sagging, latch retention, separator movement and cable rubbing.