Sourcing precast concrete lintels from China
Precast concrete lintels from China carry 0% UK duty under the prefabricated structural components line. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Match the lintel's documented load capacity and bearing conditions to the project before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources precast concrete lintels.
Duty on precast concrete lintels
Heading 6810 covers articles of cement, concrete or artificial stone, whether or not reinforced. Precast concrete lintels used as structural building components fit the description of 6810 91 00 00. The table separates purchasing variants within that same tariff line.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 10 October 2026, the supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Give your broker the material specification, drawings and intended structural use to confirm the commodity code. See the precast concrete wall panels guide for the wider product family. For fencing products, see our guide to sourcing precast concrete fence posts.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforced precast concrete lintels | 6810 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the opening, load and bearing conditions
Send the factory a lintel schedule showing the opening, overall length, cross-section, bearing arrangement and loading. Identify reinforced or prestressed construction, intended orientation and exposure conditions. Ask the project engineer to approve the proposed load data and installation details before production.
Ask for the declaration of performance, supporting assessment documents and installation instructions for the exact lintel type. Compare the documented performance with the project specification; ask for help checking the file through testing and certification.
Agree concrete strength, reinforcement or prestressing details, cover, dimensional tolerances, lifting points and packing supports. Ask for batch records and evidence behind the stated load capacity. Set acceptance criteria for cracks, exposed reinforcement, damaged bearing ends and repairs before placing the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of 60 precast concrete lintels under 6810 91 00 00, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £18,000, so it is £3,600. 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
Identity and documents: match product identifiers, batch records and performance documents to the lintels being shipped.
Dimensions and orientation: measure length and cross-section, check straightness and bearing faces, and compare installation markings with the approved drawings.
Concrete and reinforcement: inspect cracks, honeycombing, chipped ends and exposed steel; compare production records with the agreed reinforcement and cover details.
Packing and arrival: check support positions, restraints and lifting instructions at inspection; photograph bundles before unloading and record damaged pieces separately.
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What goes wrong
A lintel can have the correct overall length yet be unsuitable because its load data assumes different bearing, loading or orientation. Documents for a similar section can hide a mismatch. Keep each schedule reference tied to its drawing and performance file, and obtain engineering approval for proposed substitutions.
Poorly positioned transport supports and tight restraints can crack members or damage bearing ends. Surface repairs can conceal honeycombing or exposed reinforcement. Record damage before moving the shipment, hold suspect pieces aside and ask the project engineer to assess them before installation.
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 concrete lintels from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty under 6810 91 00 00 for Chinese-origin prefabricated structural components, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Can CE-marked concrete lintels be sold in Great Britain?
Government guidance confirms that CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Check the supporting product documents before ordering.
What should I send a Chinese lintel factory?
Send the opening and lintel schedule, drawings, loading, bearing conditions, orientation and exposure details. Ask your project engineer to approve the proposed performance and installation information.
What should I check when concrete lintels arrive?
Match identifiers to the schedule, measure dimensions and inspect cracks, chipped bearing ends, honeycombing and exposed reinforcement. Photograph damage and hold suspect pieces for engineering review.