Sourcing radiators and towel rails from China
Steel and cast iron central heating radiators, towel rails and their parts from China pay 2% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Radiators are sold on declared heat output, which is tested under the harmonised standard EN 442, so the output figure, pressure test and UK pipe connections matter more than the price. Cambridge China Bridge sources own-brand radiators and towel rails.
Central heating radiators and towel rails pay 2% UK duty from China. Declared heat output, pressure testing, UK connections and finish to check.
Duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, central heating radiators of cast iron, other radiators including steel panel radiators and water-heated towel rails, and other parts carried 2% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. Electric towel rails and electric radiators are electrical heating appliances with their own codes, so confirm the commodity code for each model.
Radiators are bulky and heavy, so the container fill decides much of the landed price; ask for the carton sizes and the container quantity with the quote.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiators for central heating, of cast iron | 7322 11 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Other radiators for central heating (steel panel, towel rails) | 7322 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Other (air heaters and parts) | 7322 90 00 90 | 2% | None |
Heat output is the product
Radiators are construction products with a harmonised standard, EN 442, under which the heat output is tested and declared. UK buyers compare radiators on that figure, so ask for the test report for each size and the temperature difference it is stated at, and be wary of a figure that has no report behind it or is quoted at a different temperature difference from the ones you are comparing.
Ask for the declaration of performance, and keep it with the product specification; the CE and UKCA guide explains the marking.
Connections, pressure and finish
UK systems use British Standard Pipe threads and 15 mm pipe, and the pipe centres of a replacement radiator have to match the old one, so specify the connection sizes and centres for the UK and check them on the first samples. The taps and radiator valves guide covers the valves.
Every radiator should be pressure tested at the factory, and the inspection should confirm it. Powder-coated finishes chip in transit unless each radiator is fully wrapped and cornered, so check the packing as well as the paint at inspection.
Designer ranges
Designer radiators and towel rails sell on finish and size choice, which multiplies the number of lines. Agree a core range the factory can hold in stock colours, and order spares, brackets and blanking plugs with the first shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources own-brand radiators and towel rails with the heat output tested, the UK connections specified and production inspected before it ships. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on radiators from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, central heating radiators of cast iron or steel, including water-heated towel rails, carried 2% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
How is radiator heat output checked?
Under the harmonised standard EN 442. Ask for the test report for each size and the temperature difference the figure is stated at.
What connections do UK radiators need?
British Standard Pipe threads, 15 mm pipe and pipe centres matching the radiator being replaced. Specify them and check them on the first samples.
Are electric towel rails classified the same way?
No. Electric towel rails and radiators are electrical heating appliances with their own codes, so confirm the code for each model.