Sourcing sash window chains from China
Sash window chains of iron or steel from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant chain and parts lines. Chains intended for consumer use in Great Britain must be safe under normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Specify pulley fit and load performance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources sash window chains.
Duty and classification for sash window chains
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7315 covers chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel. This guide concerns chains connecting sliding window sashes to their counterweights. Brass chain is outside this heading's iron or steel description.
All supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions, steel measure or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%. The selected rows distinguish possible constructions and parts; they are alternatives to check against the actual goods.
Ask your customs broker to confirm the commodity code from a sample, material specification and link drawing. Describe whether links are welded, unwelded or articulated, and whether you are importing complete chain or separate parts. See the wider steel chain guide for other applications.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other non-articulated chain, including unwelded sash chain | 7315 89 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Welded-link chain for sash windows | 7315 82 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other articulated chain, where the sash chain has this construction | 7315 12 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other chain parts for sash chain assemblies | 7315 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the chain around the sash and pulley
Send the factory a chain sample and a drawing showing link pitch, outside width, material thickness, length and end connections. State the sash weight, counterweight arrangement and pulley groove profile. Agree the required working load, sample load test and acceptance criteria rather than accepting a strength claim without a test method.
Choose the steel material and finish for the installation environment. Agree coating coverage, appearance, lubrication and protection during transport. Trial the sample through the intended pulley and into the sash groove, including the end attachment. Retain an approved sample for comparison with production.
The General Product Safety Regulations apply to products intended for, or foreseeably used by, consumers in Great Britain. Where these rules apply, the producer must ensure the product is safe before placing it on the market. Use load and fit testing to assess the risk of a falling sash.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 50 coils of welded-link sash window chain, an illustrative stock order under 7315 82 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,400, so it is £1,280. 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 link pitch, width, material thickness and supplied length against the drawing; compare the end connections with the approved sample.
Movement: run samples over the intended pulley through the full sash travel; check for twisted links, tight joints, snagging and contact with the frame.
Strength: test samples using the agreed load method; examine welds or link closures and end attachments for opening, cracking and permanent stretch.
Finish and packing: check for burrs, sharp edges, rust and coating damage; confirm coils remain untangled and packs identify the material, length and batch.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A chain that looks similar can have wider links or a different pitch and jam in the pulley groove. Poor link closures, cracked welds or weak end attachments can let the counterweight or sash drop. Test the chain and attachment together in the intended window arrangement.
Coating damage and damp packing can leave rust on arrival. Mixed lengths or tangled coils add work during installation. Agree packing and batch identification before shipment, and arrange quality inspection around the approved sample and window trial.
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 sash window chains from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% duty on all relevant iron or steel chain and parts lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code for the actual link construction.
Which commodity code covers sash window chain?
There is no sash-specific line in the supplied heading. Classification depends on whether the chain is articulated, welded or another construction, or consists of separate parts. Give your broker a sample and drawing.
How do I check whether replacement chain fits?
Compare link pitch, width and material thickness with the existing chain. Trial it on the intended pulley through the full sash travel and check the end attachment and sash groove.
What safety rule applies to domestic sash window chains?
For chains intended for consumer use in Great Britain, the general product safety rules require safety under normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Agree load and fit tests for the intended window.