Sourcing single-layer nickel gaskets from China

UK duty on single-layer nickel gaskets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7508 covers other articles of nickel. Its other-articles line, 7508 90 00 00, carries 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no tariff suspension listed. The supplied tariff contains only this relevant line for single-layer nickel gaskets.

The tariff attaches import and export waste controls to this line. If a shipment from China is waste requiring notification, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent. Confirm the applicable waste requirement with your customs broker before shipment, particularly for used, rejected or scrap material.

Confirm the commodity code using the material specification, drawing and construction details. State whether the gasket is solid nickel or nickel alloy, plated, coated or combined with another material. For the wider heading, see our nickel bellows guide.

Specify the nickel and sealing geometry

Specify the material grade, condition, thickness and tolerances, inner and outer profile, bolt-hole positions, flatness and sealing-face finish. Make clear that the gasket is a single metal layer, and state whether coatings are permitted. Ask for a material certificate linked to the production batch.

Give the supplier the mating-flange drawing and the intended fluid, temperature and pressure conditions. Agree hardness, edge condition and a sample fit check with your equipment designer. Pressure equipment rules cover design, manufacture and conformity assessment of the equipment; have the designer confirm the gasket specification for that application.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of single-layer nickel gaskets made to an agreed drawing under 7508 90 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £30,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,800, so it is £6,160. 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

Material: compare batch certificates with package labels and verify alloy identity on sampled pieces. Check a cut edge where needed to distinguish solid metal from plating.

Geometry: measure thickness, inner and outer dimensions and hole positions against the drawing. Check flatness and trial fit on the intended flange.

Sealing faces: inspect for scratches, dents, burrs and distortion. Check any agreed coating for coverage and damage.

Packing: check that gaskets are separated and supported against bending, with material grade and batch identification retained. Use our inspection guide to prepare the acceptance brief.

What goes wrong

Material substitution, uneven thickness and damaged sealing faces can undermine an otherwise correct-looking gasket. A ring may match the outside diameter while its bore or bolt holes obstruct assembly. Generic certificates make it difficult to connect the tested material to the delivered batch.

Approve a drawing and sample before production, and agree how failed inspection results will be handled. Keep arrival checks separate from the equipment designer's assessment of sealing performance under the intended operating conditions.

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.