Sourcing security shear bolts from China
Security shear bolts from China carry 0% UK duty across the selected tariff lines, with no listed trade remedies. Check applicable UK REACH restrictions on materials and coatings, and approve break-off torque in the intended joint before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources security shear bolts.
UK duty and classification for security shear bolts
Heading 7318 covers iron or steel fasteners, including bolts. The selected rows distinguish other head shapes from hexagonal heads, stainless steel from other steel, and tensile strength where relevant. These are classification candidates, not interchangeable codes for every shear bolt.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control on these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete head geometry as imported, material specification and strength evidence. Show the sacrificial drive head and retained head on the drawing; do not choose a headless category simply because the drive head breaks off during installation. For wider heading coverage, see self-drilling roofing screws.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel bolts with other heads | 7318 15 95 85 | 0% | None |
| Other steel bolts with other heads | 7318 15 95 89 | 0% | None |
| Stainless steel bolts with hexagonal heads | 7318 15 75 90 | 0% | None |
| Other steel hexagonal-head bolts, tensile strength below 800 MPa | 7318 15 82 90 | 0% | None |
| Other steel hexagonal-head bolts, tensile strength 800 MPa or above | 7318 15 88 80 | 0% | None |
Specify the shear neck and installed joint
Specify steel grade, thread diameter and pitch, threaded length, retained head profile, sacrificial drive shape and shear-neck dimensions. Agree a break-off torque acceptance range and test method. Describe the mating thread, washers, joint materials, coating, lubrication and installation tool used for sample approval.
Approve finished samples in the intended joint. Check that the joint seats before the drive head separates, and agree how installed retention and attempted removal will be assessed. Request material, heat-treatment, coating and torque-test records linked to the production batch. Do not treat head separation alone as proof of adequate clamping.
UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances. Obtain alloy, plating and passivation details to check applicable restrictions. If sold as consumer products, the bolts must be safe. For construction use, establish the applicable standard or technical assessment and marking route before ordering; CE marking remains available for construction products in Great Britain. Discuss supporting evidence through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative boxed batch of stainless steel security shear bolts for a hardware business; FOB value and freight are illustrative under 7318 15 95 85, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,300, so it is £860. 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
Geometry: measure the thread, lengths, drive head, retained head and shear neck against the approved drawing; inspect for cracks, burrs and machining damage.
Thread fit: use agreed gauges after coating and trial-fit the specified mating component; check for binding, damaged starts and inadequate engagement.
Break-off behaviour: install samples in the agreed joint with the specified tool, record separation torque and check seating, retained-head condition and joint retention.
Finish and batches: check coating coverage, rust, packing damage and mixed sizes on arrival; match carton identification to material and test records. Set the sampling scope with the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A drive head can break before the joint is seated if the thread binds or the shear neck is unsuitable. Excessive break-off torque can strip the mating thread or damage the joint. Changes in coating, lubrication or joint material can alter installation behaviour, so approve production-finish samples rather than bare prototypes.
A rough fracture can leave a sharp edge or a surface that is easier to grip than expected. Mixed batches can conceal inconsistent break-off behaviour. Separate suspect stock, record failures against batch identity and agree corrective action before releasing it. Have the connection designer approve load-bearing applications and specify a maintenance removal method.
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 security shear bolts from China?
The selected tariff lines carry 0% duty in the supplied snapshot, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code from the actual head design, material and strength.
Which commodity code covers security shear bolts?
Check the headed-bolt categories against the complete product as imported. Other-head and hexagonal-head lines differ. Give your broker a drawing showing both the sacrificial drive head and retained head.
How do I specify shear-bolt break-off torque?
Agree an acceptance range and test method using the intended joint, mating thread, coating, lubrication and tool. Check joint seating and retention as well as drive-head separation.
Do security shear bolts need CE marking?
For construction use, establish the applicable standard or technical assessment and marking route. CE marking remains available for construction products in Great Britain; match the documents to the bolt and intended use.