Sourcing solar-control float glass from China

Zero duty across the reflective-glass thickness bands

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7005 covers float glass and surface-ground or polished glass in sheets, including sheets with an absorbent or reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked. The reflective solar-control lines distinguish thickness. The non-reflecting-layer row is included as a coated alternative, with a separate classification.

The listed lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. This describes the tariff entries, rather than approval for a particular building application.

Confirm the coating, thickness and processing state before choosing the commodity code. Toughened or laminated glass belongs to heading 7007, while insulating glass units belong to heading 7008. See the wider float-glass guide for other sheet types.

Specify the coating and the intended glazing build-up

Specify the base-glass tint, sheet dimensions, thickness, coated face and intended glazing build-up. Ask for visible-light transmission, solar-energy performance and external and internal reflectance data for that exact build-up. Approve a physical sample viewed from both sides, and agree how colour differences between production batches will be assessed.

Ask the manufacturer to confirm whether the coating suits the intended cutting, heat treatment, lamination or assembly into insulating units. Record its handling and storage instructions. Reflective appearance alone does not establish the solar performance of the finished glazing.

For building use in Great Britain, check the declaration of performance and CE or UKCA marking for the supplied product. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products in Great Britain. For glass in doors, low windows and other critical locations, confirm the applicable glazing safety requirements with the relevant building control authority before installation.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of crated 6 mm reflective solar-control float glass sheets under 7005 10 80 00, invoiced at £11,000 free on board, with £3,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £14,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,200, so it is £2,840. 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 dimensions: match crate labels and batch records to the approved coating and tint; measure sample sheet dimensions and thickness against the order.

Coating and appearance: identify the coated face; check for scratches, pinholes, patchiness and colour variation under agreed lighting, comparing both sides with the approved sample.

Glass and edges: check for cracks, edge chips, bubbles, stones and optical distortion; photograph defects before sheets enter processing.

Packing and arrival: check rack restraint, interleaving and moisture protection before shipment, then inspect for wet packing, shifted sheets and breakage on arrival. Agree the checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A sample can look acceptable while production sheets vary in reflected colour or show coating scratches. Mixed batches can make neighbouring panes look different. Keep the approved sample and batch identity available to the processor, and compare sheets before cutting.

Moisture between sheets can cause staining and sticking, while moving racks cause breakage and chipped edges. A coating selected without checking the processor's intended treatment can also leave an unusable shipment. Resolve coating compatibility and packing details before placing the order.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.