Sourcing self-cleaning float glass from China

Duty and coating classification

Heading 7005 covers float glass and surface-ground or polished glass in sheets, whether or not having an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked. This guide concerns self-cleaning coated sheets supplied for further processing. Toughened or laminated safety glass falls under heading 7007; insulating glass units fall under heading 7008.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, all heading 7005 lines in the supplied record carry 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control is recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.

The table shows potential lines where the sheet has the optical coating described. A self-cleaning claim does not establish that a layer is non-reflecting, absorbent or reflecting. Give your broker the coating data, base-glass description, thickness and processing state to confirm the commodity code. For assembled glazing, see self-cleaning insulating glass units.

Specify the self-cleaning coating and exposed face

Specify the base glass, thickness, sheet dimensions, tint and coating identity. Ask the factory to describe the self-cleaning mechanism, required exposure conditions and cleaning instructions. Agree how it will identify the coated face on each pack and how the processor will preserve that identification after cutting.

Request evidence for the claimed cleaning performance on the actual coating supplied. Agree a sample comparison and acceptance method before ordering. Obtain written advice on cutting, heat treatment, storage, compatible sealants and handling materials; assess any proposed coating substitution before accepting it.

For building use in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority whether a declaration of performance and CE or UKCA marking are required for the supplied product. Legitimately CE-marked construction products can continue to be supplied to the Great Britain market. Before installing float glass in doors, low windows or other critical locations, confirm the applicable glazing safety requirements with the relevant building control authority.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: a crated batch of 6 mm self-cleaning solar-control float glass for a glazier; FOB value and freight are illustrative 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

Coating identity: match batch records and pack identification to the agreed coating; verify the coated face using the manufacturer's method.

Surface condition: inspect for scratches, haze, coating gaps and handling marks under agreed lighting; compare production samples with the approved sample.

Dimensions and function: measure thickness and sheet dimensions, check edges and distortion, and repeat the agreed cleaning-performance comparison on production samples.

Packing and arrival: check interleaving compatibility, dry packs, rack restraint and broken sheets before unloading and after opening. Photograph damage and retain batch identification; use the inspection guide to organise the record.

What goes wrong

A supplier may demonstrate an approved sample but ship a different coating or leave the coated face unidentified. Scratches and handling residue can also obscure the agreed surface condition. Keep coating identity and cleaning performance as separate acceptance checks; appearance alone does not demonstrate the claimed function.

Damp stacks can stain or stick together, while moving racks cause chipped edges and broken sheets. An incompatible interleaving material or cleaning treatment may leave residue on the working surface. Agree packing and care instructions with the coating manufacturer, then check the packed goods before dispatch and again on arrival.

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.