Sourcing precision-ground round bars from China
Precision-ground mild steel round bars from China have a listed UK duty of 50% across the relevant tariff lines. Confirm the code from the chemistry and finishing process, and check any steel quota relief before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources precision-ground mild steel round bars.
Listed duty and classification of ground round bars
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7215 covers other bars and rods of iron or non-alloy steel. For precision-ground mild steel rounds, give your broker the chemical composition and complete processing route. The table includes adjacent free-cutting and higher-carbon categories for checking grade boundaries; these are not interchangeable mild steel specifications.
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 50% on every relevant line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded. The published wider guide describes 0% within an available steel quota and 50% outside it. Official guidance confirms the out-of-quota rate. Ask your broker to confirm eligibility and availability before assuming quota relief.
Confirm the commodity code using the mill certificate and the drawing, rather than the supplier's description alone. Specify whether the bars are drawn, turned and ground, and disclose any subsequent machining. The bright steel bars guide covers the wider heading. Use the UK duty and VAT guide when preparing the landed-cost calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-finished non-alloy round bars, carbon below 0.25% | 7215 50 19 00 | 50% | None |
| Other non-alloy steel bars, other processing | 7215 90 00 90 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished free-cutting steel bars, alternative grade | 7215 10 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-finished non-alloy bars, carbon 0.25% or more, grade boundary | 7215 50 80 00 | 50% | None |
Specify the ground diameter and delivery condition
Specify the mild steel grade, chemistry, delivery condition, finished diameter and tolerance, roundness, straightness, cut length and surface roughness. State whether the ground surface will be used directly or machined further. Agree limits for scratches, seams and grinding marks, together with corrosion protection and bundle support.
Ask for a type 3.1 inspection certificate and retain heat identification through grinding and cutting. Official guidance advises importers to include contractual assurances that imports are not of Russian origin. Ask the supplier to identify the steelmaking mill and grinding factory. Use factory verification to check the grinding equipment and measuring capability.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative stock order: 20 tonnes of precision-ground mild steel round bars, assuming this classification under 7215 90 00 90, invoiced at £45,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £48,000. Duty at 50% is £24,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £72,000, so it is £14,400. Import taxes total £38,400; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £24,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material: match the grade, chemistry and heat numbers on the certificate to the bundle tags and order.
Diameter and roundness: measure at several positions along each sampled bar and around its circumference against the agreed finished-size limits.
Straightness and length: check bow and cut length using the agreed method, and inspect bundle supports for transport damage.
Surface and packing: check grinding marks, seams, scratches, rust and end damage; confirm protective oil and wrapping. Set the acceptance checks in the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A smooth-looking bar can still be tapered, oval or bowed. Diameter measured only at the ends can miss variation along the length. Grinding marks and handling scratches can spoil a surface intended for direct use, while rust can force further machining that changes the finished diameter.
Another failure is substitution: an easy-machining grade arrives instead of the specified mild steel, or drawn bar is supplied without the agreed grinding operation. Approve the material documents and dimensional report before dispatch, preserve heat traceability, and agree how non-conforming bars will be handled.
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 precision-ground mild steel round bars from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 50% across the relevant lines. It records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Ask your broker whether an available steel quota can reduce the duty before budgeting.
Which commodity code covers precision-ground mild steel round bars?
Confirm it from the chemistry and complete processing route. The cold-finished and other-worked categories need checking; a supplier's description of ground bar does not settle the code.
Is a ground finish enough to guarantee the diameter?
Agree diameter tolerance, roundness, straightness and surface roughness separately. Require measurements along the bar and around its circumference, rather than relying on appearance.
What certificate should I ask the steel supplier for?
Ask for a type 3.1 inspection certificate showing grade, chemistry and heat identification. Match it to the delivered bars and request a separate dimensional inspection report for the grinding operation.