Sourcing resistance-heating strip from China
Stainless steel resistance-heating strip within heading 7220 carries 0% UK duty across the supplied lines, with no listed trade remedies. Classification follows the material, dimensions and processing, so confirm the code from the mill certificate rather than the heating application alone. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless steel resistance-heating strip.
Duty on stainless steel resistance-heating 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 raw strip bought for resistance heating. For other applications and forms, see the wider stainless steel strip guide.
The supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control. Cold-rolled lines distinguish thickness and nickel content. Confirm the commodity code using the mill chemistry, dimensions, processing and consignment route; recheck the tariff before shipment.
Confirm with your customs broker whether heading 7220 is within the iron and steel scope of the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism, which starts on 1 January 2027. Ask the mill about emissions data and review your position using the UK carbon border adjustment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled strip, over 0.35 mm but under 3 mm, nickel at least 2.5% | 7220 20 41 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, over 0.35 mm but under 3 mm, nickel below 2.5% | 7220 20 49 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, no thicker than 0.35 mm, nickel at least 2.5% | 7220 20 81 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, no thicker than 0.35 mm, nickel below 2.5% | 7220 20 89 90 | 0% | None |
Specify resistance and heating performance
Specify the alloy designation and chemistry, thickness, width, temper, surface finish and edge condition. State electrical resistivity at an agreed reference temperature, or resistance over an agreed length with its measurement temperature and tolerance. Include operating temperature, atmosphere, heating cycle and joining method. A stainless grade designation alone does not establish suitability for your heater.
Ask for mill certificates tied to each heat and coil, plus measured electrical properties. Trial material in the intended assembly for resistance drift, oxidation, distortion and joint performance. UK REACH restrictions address chemical risks in articles as well as chemicals and mixtures; obtain composition and surface-treatment information for the relevant checks.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 3 tonnes of cold-rolled stainless steel resistance-heating strip, illustrative only under 7220 20 41 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,800, so it is £2,360. 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
Traceability: match coil labels to heat numbers and mill certificates; compare the supplied chemistry and material condition with the purchase specification.
Dimensions and edges: measure thickness and width along sampled strip, and check camber, burrs, edge cracks and slit damage against agreed tolerances.
Electrical performance: measure resistance over the agreed length at the specified temperature; repeat after the agreed heating cycle and compare with the approved sample.
Surface and packing: inspect for scratches, contamination, corrosion and crushed coil edges; check moisture protection and coil identification before releasing material to production.
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What goes wrong
Material can match the ordered dimensions yet miss the required resistance. Alloy substitution, thickness variation and inconsistent material condition can change heating behaviour. Damaged edges and poor joints can concentrate heating locally, while repeated heating can reveal distortion or resistance drift that an arrival check misses.
Approve a representative sample in the intended heater before accepting bulk material. Keep the sample results, coil identity and agreed acceptance limits together. A mill certificate describes the material; assess the finished heating assembly separately before sale.
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 resistance-heating strip from China?
The supplied heading 7220 lines carry 0% duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or steel measure. Import VAT is separate. Confirm the exact line before shipment.
Which stainless steel grade should I order for resistance heating?
Choose against required resistance, operating temperature, atmosphere and joining method. Ask for measured electrical properties and trial the alloy in your assembly before approving bulk material.
How do I check the strip's electrical resistance?
Agree the sample length, measurement temperature, equipment and acceptance tolerance. Compare incoming samples with the approved material, then repeat measurements after the agreed heating cycle.
Does a mill certificate prove that my finished heater is safe?
No. It records material properties and traceability. Assess the finished assembly separately, including its insulation, connections, temperature control and behaviour during the intended heating cycle.