Sourcing rock-wool cavity batts from China

UK duty on rock-wool cavity batts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6806 covers mineral wools and other insulating mineral materials. Rock-wool cavity batts supplied as mineral-wool sheets fall within 6806 10 00 00. The listed batt forms share this commodity line. Chinese-origin goods carry 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded.

The tariff attaches waste import and export controls to this line. For waste subject to notification controls entering England from China, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in China for consent. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the shipment is waste and which requirements apply before dispatch.

Confirm the material, product form and any facing with your broker using finding your commodity code. For another product family within the heading, see rock-wool pipe insulation sections.

Specify the cavity application and batt performance

State whether the batts are intended for full or partial cavity fill. Agree length, width, recovered thickness, density, edge profile, facing and packaging compression. Ask for installation details showing how the proposed batt fits around wall ties and openings. Have the project specifier approve the intended application rather than selecting solely by density.

Confirm declaration-of-performance and CE or UKCA marking requirements for building mineral-wool insulation with the relevant construction-product authority. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Obtain thermal conductivity and reaction-to-fire reports matching the exact batt, including its facing. Ask for the safety data sheet and fibre bio-solubility evidence supporting exemption from carcinogen classification. Arrange testing and certification checks before shipment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container of rock-wool cavity batts; values are hypothetical under 6806 10 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,000, so it is £3,200. 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

Dimensions: measure sampled batts after unpacking and compare recovered thickness, width and edge squareness with the agreed specification.

Condition: check for wet packs, staining, crushed corners, persistent compression and excessive crumbling.

Fit: compare sampled batts with the approved installation details, including joints, wall ties and cut edges.

Documents: match pack labels and batch identities to the declaration of performance and thermal and fire reports. Use the quality inspection guide to agree inspection scope.

What goes wrong

Batts that stay compressed or arrive with damaged edges can leave gaps when fitted. Incorrect dimensions create extra cutting and poor joints. Wet packs and uneven binder distribution can leave material unsuitable for the agreed application. Record defects before accepting the delivery.

A report for another density, facing or product type does not demonstrate the supplied batt's declared performance. A generic insulation certificate also leaves the cavity application unresolved. Agree the product identity, supporting reports and installation details before production, then compare them with the delivered goods.

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.