Sourcing stainless steel bulb flats from China
Stainless steel bulb flats from China have listed UK duty rates from 0% to 50%. Hot-rolled sections are listed at 0%, while cold-formed or cold-finished sections are listed at 50%. Match the processing route and bulb profile to the commodity code before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless steel bulb flats.
Processing route determines the duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7222 covers other stainless steel bars and rods, and stainless steel angles, shapes and sections. This guide concerns bulb flats: a flat web with a thickened bulb along an edge. The relevant section lines distinguish hot processing, cold processing, cladding and other further working.
For goods from China, the supplied snapshot lists 0% for 7222 40 10 00, 7222 40 90 10 and 7222 40 90 90, and 50% for 7222 40 50 00. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. The published wider stainless steel guide describes 0% quota relief for cold-formed sections where available. Ask your broker to confirm eligibility before budgeting.
Confirm the commodity code using the section drawing and manufacturing history. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether and when these section lines fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism. Ask the mill for emissions data and consult the UK carbon border adjustment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless bulb flats, only hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded | 7222 40 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Stainless bulb flats, only cold-formed or cold-finished | 7222 40 50 00 | 50% | None |
| Hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded stainless bulb flats, only further clad | 7222 40 90 10 | 0% | None |
| Other further-worked stainless bulb flats | 7222 40 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the bulb profile, not just the width
Supply a dimensioned cross-section showing overall depth, web thickness, bulb projection, bulb thickness and the transition radius. State the bulb's orientation in the finished assembly. Agree tolerances for the profile, straightness, twist and cut length, together with the stainless grade, delivery condition, surface finish and any welding preparation.
Ask for a mill inspection certificate giving heat numbers, chemistry and mechanical properties. Agree any project-specific testing or buyer approval before production. For construction supply, establish the applicable product standard and conformity route before ordering. Official guidance allows construction products with legitimately affixed CE marking to continue to be supplied in Great Britain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2 tonnes of hot-rolled stainless steel bulb flats for a fabrication order, illustrative only under 7222 40 10 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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: match bundle and piece heat markings to the mill certificate, and arrange sampled chemistry checks against the ordered stainless grade.
Profile: measure the web and bulb against the approved drawing. Check the transition radius and trial-fit samples against the mating assembly.
Alignment: check straightness, twist, cut length and end squareness before accepting the delivery.
Surface and packing: inspect the bulb and web for seams, folds, scratches and rust staining. Check that supports and restraints protect the profile during transport. Use the quality inspection guide to define acceptance checks.
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What goes wrong
Matching the nominal depth does not ensure the bulb will fit: a different bulb projection or transition radius can obstruct welding or assembly. Twisted lengths, mixed heats and certificates that cannot be matched to the delivered steel also cause rejection. Agree a profile sample and inspection drawing before approving production.
A supplier's description of 'hot-rolled' can omit subsequent cold finishing, changing the relevant tariff line. Request the full processing history. Keep steel supply-chain evidence available before shipping because border officials may request it. Separate profile inspection from document checks so a dimensionally acceptable bundle is not accepted with missing material records.
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 stainless steel bulb flats from China?
The snapshot lists 0% for hot-processed sections and the other section lines, and 50% for cold-formed or cold-finished sections. Confirm the processing route and any quota relief with your broker.
What dimensions should I put on a bulb-flat drawing?
Show overall depth, web thickness, bulb projection, bulb thickness and transition radius. Add orientation, length, straightness and twist tolerances so the supplier cannot substitute a similar-looking profile.
What material documents should come with stainless bulb flats?
Ask for a mill inspection certificate showing the grade, heat numbers, chemistry and mechanical properties. Match it to the delivered markings and arrange any project-specific tests before production.
Do stainless steel bulb flats need CE marking?
For construction supply, establish the applicable product standard and conformity route for the intended use. Official guidance allows construction products with legitimately affixed CE marking to remain on the Great Britain market.