Sourcing precipitation-hardening sheet from China
UK duty is 0% across the supplied lines for precipitation-hardening stainless steel sheets. Confirm classification from dimensions, rolling and nickel content, and check the steel input history for Russia sanctions. Cambridge China Bridge sources precipitation-hardening stainless steel sheets.
Duty and classification for hardening stainless sheet
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the supplied heading 7219 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control. The heading covers flat-rolled stainless steel products of a width of 600 mm or more; this guide focuses on precipitation-hardening sheets within it.
The table selects cold-rolled lines with nickel content of at least 2.5% by weight. These are conditional classification options, not codes assigned by the precipitation-hardening name alone. Confirm width, thickness, chemistry, rolling, further processing and country of consignment with your broker using finding your commodity code. For the wider heading, see duplex stainless steel sheets.
Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether these cold-rolled lines fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism, which applies from 1 January 2027. Ask the mill about emissions data before ordering for that period, and check registration planning through our UK carbon border adjustment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled sheet, 3 mm to under 4.75 mm, nickel at least 2.5%, other | 7219 32 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled sheet, over 1 mm to under 3 mm, nickel at least 2.5%, other | 7219 33 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled sheet, 0.5 mm to 1 mm inclusive, nickel at least 2.5%, other | 7219 34 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled sheet, under 0.5 mm, nickel at least 2.5%, other | 7219 35 10 90 | 0% | None |
Specify grade and heat-treatment condition together
Specify the exact precipitation-hardening grade and the agreed material specification, alongside thickness, width, length, tolerances, flatness, surface finish and edge condition. State whether the sheets are to arrive solution treated or aged, and who will perform any subsequent heat treatment. A grade name without a delivery condition leaves the required properties unclear.
Agree hardness and mechanical acceptance criteria for the specified condition. Ask for heat-linked mill certificates showing chemistry, delivery condition and test results. If you will form or weld the sheet before ageing, agree the fabrication and heat-treatment sequence with your technical adviser and have the supplier confirm it in the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3 tonnes of precipitation-hardening stainless steel sheets, 2 mm thick under 7219 33 10 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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
Traceability: match sheet and bundle heat numbers to the certificates, grade and delivery condition; retain the link when sheets are cut.
Condition and properties: compare heat-treatment records and hardness or mechanical results with the ordered condition; use independent sample testing where acceptance depends on these properties.
Dimensions: measure thickness across sampled sheets, check width and length, and assess flatness and edge burrs against the agreed tolerances.
Surface and packing: inspect for scratches, staining, roll marks and edge damage, including beneath protective film; check moisture protection and bundle restraint. Set the sampling brief through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A sheet can match the ordered chemistry yet arrive in the wrong heat-treatment condition. Other failures include certificates copied between heats, unapproved grade substitutions, distortion after processing and surface damage concealed by film. Keep chemistry, condition and dimensional acceptance separate in the purchase specification, and resolve discrepancies before fabrication.
Chinese processing does not remove the UK prohibition where covered Russian-origin steel is processed into another covered steel product. Ask your broker to check the input history and any applicable licence before ordering. Government guidance says traders should be prepared to provide supply-chain documentation; a supplier's Chinese address alone does not establish that history.
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 precipitation-hardening stainless steel sheets from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% across all listed heading 7219 lines, with no recorded trade remedies or steel measure. Confirm the exact line for the sheet's dimensions, chemistry and processing.
Does the precipitation-hardening grade determine the commodity code?
The grade name alone is insufficient. Confirm width, thickness, nickel content, rolling, further processing and country of consignment against the tariff description.
Should I order solution-treated or aged stainless sheets?
Choose the delivery condition with your technical adviser to suit fabrication and final properties. State who performs subsequent heat treatment and how the resulting properties will be accepted.
What certificates should come with the sheets?
Request heat-linked mill certificates showing chemistry, delivery condition and mechanical results. Match the sheet labels to the certificates and agree independent testing where properties are critical.