Sourcing prepainted steel coils from China
Prepainted galvanised non-alloy steel coils under 7210 70 80 91 show 50% UK duty in the supplied tariff snapshot, plus 13.60% residual anti-dumping and 44.70% residual countervailing duty. Confirm the finished coating and exporter before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources prepainted galvanised steel coils.
Duty on finished painted coil
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 October 2026, heading 7210 covers coated iron or non-alloy steel flat-rolled products at least 600 mm wide. Prepainted galvanised non-alloy coil is relevant to 7210 70 80 91. The table also identifies unpainted galvanised substrates for comparison; those are inputs to painting, rather than alternative declarations for finished painted coil.
The supplied snapshot records 50% third-country duty for 7210 70 80 91, with residual anti-dumping of 13.60% and countervailing duty of 44.70%. It records no suspension or attached import control for that line. The nearby guide describes a 0% quota route, but this snapshot does not record it: ask your broker to verify availability before budgeting. Named exporter rates require the prescribed invoice.
Confirm the commodity code using the steel composition, width, metallic substrate coating and finished paint system. See the wider coated steel guide for other finishes and UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted non-alloy steel, including prepainted galvanised coil | 7210 70 80 91 | 50% | 13.60% residual anti-dumping; 44.70% residual countervailing |
| Unpainted hot-dip galvanised substrate within the stated chemical definition | 7210 49 00 30 | 50% | 27.90% residual anti-dumping |
| Other unpainted zinc-coated substrate | 7210 49 00 90 | 50% | None |
| Other unpainted electrolytically zinc-coated substrate | 7210 30 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the zinc substrate and paint system
Specify the steel grade, base-metal thickness and tolerances, width, zinc coating mass per side, surface treatment, primer, topcoat and reverse-side coating. Agree paint thickness, colour and gloss against an approved sample, and require evidence of adhesion and suitability for the intended forming process.
State coil weight, inner diameter, winding direction, allowable joins, edge condition and moisture-resistant packing. Link coil identifiers to the mill certificate and coating inspection records. For roofing or cladding applications, ask a compliance adviser to check the product supplied and its intended use. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of prepainted galvanised steel coils; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 7210 70 80 91, 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 50% is £10,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,000, so it is £6,000. Import taxes total £16,000; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £10,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Traceability: match each coil label to its mill certificate, grade, chemistry and coating records.
Dimensions: measure base-metal thickness and width against the contract, and check edges and winding for damage.
Paint: compare colour and gloss with the approved sample; check coating thickness, adhesion, scratches and cracking after agreed forming tests.
Arrival condition: photograph wrapping, straps and coil faces before unpacking; check for moisture, white rust, crushed edges and telescoped winding. Use the inspection guide to agree acceptance checks.
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What goes wrong
A colour match can conceal inadequate zinc protection or a paint system that cracks during forming. Inspect the substrate and paint separately. Colour and gloss can vary between batches, while damp wrapping can leave white rust beneath an apparently intact outer surface.
Declaring finished painted coil as unpainted galvanised steel can give the wrong duty position. Match the coating records to the declaration and confirm exporter-specific invoice wording with your broker. Do not base the order budget on quota treatment until it has been checked.
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 prepainted galvanised steel coils from China?
The supplied snapshot shows 50% for 7210 70 80 91, plus 13.60% residual anti-dumping and 44.70% residual countervailing duty. Confirm exporter-specific rates and any quota treatment with your broker.
Can I use an unpainted galvanised steel code for painted coils?
Classify the finished goods. Give your broker the steel chemistry, width, metallic coating and paint details; do not select an unpainted substrate code merely because it has a lower duty.
What should I specify for prepainted galvanised coil?
Specify grade, base-metal thickness, width, zinc coating mass, paint system, colour, gloss, adhesion, forming performance, coil dimensions and packing.
How do I check painted coils when they arrive?
Match coil labels to certificates, measure dimensions and coating thickness, compare colour and gloss, test agreed adhesion and forming performance, and inspect for moisture, rust and edge damage.