Sourcing feeler-gauge strip from China
Stainless steel feeler-gauge strip from China under heading 7220 carries 0% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Classify strip stock by its processing, thickness and nickel content, then agree the actual gauge tolerance. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless steel feeler-gauge strip.
Duty on stainless steel feeler-gauge strip
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7220 covers flat-rolled stainless steel less than 600 mm wide. This guide concerns strip stock supplied in coils or lengths for feeler-gauge use. The selected lines cover material not further worked than cold-rolled, split by thickness and nickel content. See the wider stainless steel precision foil guide.
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% duty for goods from China on every selected line. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control. These are the recorded measures on the read date; ask your customs broker to recheck the applicable line before shipment.
A commodity code is needed for the customs declaration. Confirm the commodity code using the mill chemistry, dimensions and processing history. Ask HMRC or your customs broker to confirm whether and when heading 7220 falls within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism, and ask the mill for emissions data when planning future supplies. For tax calculations, see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled strip ≤0.35 mm thick, nickel ≥2.5% | 7220 20 81 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip ≤0.35 mm thick, nickel <2.5% | 7220 20 89 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip >0.35 mm but <3 mm thick, nickel ≥2.5% | 7220 20 41 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip >0.35 mm but <3 mm thick, nickel <2.5% | 7220 20 49 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the working thickness and edge finish
Specify stainless grade, nominal thickness and permitted variation, strip width, coil or cut-length presentation, hardness and temper. A feeler strip measures a gap through its actual thickness, so agree a measurement method and acceptance limits rather than relying on the thickness printed on the pack. Ask for measurements along the strip and across its width, linked to the coil identification.
Agree deburred edges, flatness, surface cleanliness and resistance to permanent bending in the intended use. Ask for a sample that can be cut and inserted into the buyer's actual checking fixture. UK REACH generally applies to individual substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles; review the material and any coating or treatment with your compliance adviser.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 coils of stainless steel feeler-gauge strip; order, FOB value and freight are illustrative under 7220 20 81 90, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £316 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,116. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,116, so it is £423.20. 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
Thickness: use a calibrated micrometer on clean strip at agreed positions along the coil and across its width; compare readings with the purchase specification.
Material and temper: match coil identification to the mill certificate, check chemistry and sample hardness, and compare bending behaviour with the approved sample.
Edges and surface: inspect for raised burrs, rolled edges, scratches, pits, kinks and coil set that could affect insertion or gap readings.
Identification and packing: check that thickness labels match measured stock, different gauges remain separated, and coils arrive dry and protected from crushing. Arrange checks through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A pack can carry the ordered thickness while the strip varies along its length. Edge burrs make it feel thicker than the flat centre, while soft material takes a permanent bend and excessive coil set makes insertion awkward. Mixing similar-looking thicknesses during cutting or repacking creates a separate identification problem.
Keep suspect coils separate on arrival and retain labelled samples, measurement records and packing photographs. Agree how the supplier will resolve out-of-tolerance material before ordering. Verify that the factory can measure thin strip and control slitting edges through factory verification.
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 feeler-gauge strip from China?
The relevant heading 7220 lines show 0% duty in the supplied snapshot read on 1 October 2026, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code applies to stainless steel feeler strip?
For stock not further worked than cold-rolled, the code depends on thickness and nickel content. Match the mill certificate and processing history to the tariff line rather than using the product name alone.
How do I check the strip is the right thickness?
Measure clean strip with a calibrated micrometer along the coil and across its width. Compare the readings with agreed tolerances and check that burrs are not affecting the result.
Can I buy stainless steel feeler strip in coils?
Specify coils or cut lengths in the enquiry, together with width, thickness tolerance, temper and edge finish. Approve a sample in your checking fixture before agreeing the production specification.