Sourcing stainless-steel saw-blade strip from China
Stainless-steel saw-blade strip within heading 7220 carries 0% UK duty across the supplied lines for goods from China. Classification depends on width, processing, thickness and nickel content, rather than the intended blade use alone. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless-steel saw-blade strip.
Duty on strip for saw-blade manufacture
Heading 7220 covers flat-rolled stainless steel less than 600 mm wide. This guide concerns strip bought for subsequent saw-blade manufacture. Describe the material as supplied, including its rolling and further processing, rather than relying on the name of the eventual blade. For wider heading coverage, see stainless-steel razor-blade strip.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all supplied lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions, steel measure or attached import controls. That tariff snapshot does not replace checking the steel's supply-chain history.
Confirm the commodity code using the mill chemistry, dimensions, processing and consignment route. The table selects cold-rolled lines for direct shipments from China; heat-treated or otherwise further-worked strip needs separate classification checking. The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism commences on 1 January 2027; confirm with your customs broker whether heading 7220 and the supplied strip are within its scope. Ask the mill for emissions information and consult 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 thick, nickel below 2.5% | 7220 20 49 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, over 0.35 mm but under 3 mm thick, nickel at least 2.5% | 7220 20 41 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, up to 0.35 mm thick, nickel below 2.5% | 7220 20 89 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled strip, up to 0.35 mm thick, nickel at least 2.5% | 7220 20 81 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the strip around the blade-making process
Agree the steel grade and full chemistry, especially carbon, chromium and nickel. Specify whether the strip arrives annealed for subsequent hardening or already hardened and tempered. A general stainless grade description does not establish suitability for tooth cutting, forming or welding.
Put thickness, width, hardness range, camber, flatness and edge condition into the purchase specification. Agree coil winding direction, coil dimensions, permitted joins and protective packing. Approve a sample through your intended blade-making process before accepting production material.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3 tonnes of cold-rolled stainless-steel strip for saw-blade manufacture under 7220 20 49 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,800, so it is £3,960. 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
Identity: match coil labels, heat numbers and mill certificates to the order. Arrange chemistry testing that covers carbon as well as the alloying elements.
Dimensions and edges: measure thickness across the strip and along sampled lengths. Check slit width, camber, burrs and edge cracks against the agreed limits.
Hardness and processing: compare hardness across sampled material. Trial tooth cutting, hardening or welding as applicable, using your intended production process.
Condition and traceability: inspect for corrosion, scratches, damaged coil edges and moisture in the packing. Keep each coil linked to its inspection results; see quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
Strip can match the ordered dimensions yet fail during blade manufacture because its chemistry or hardness differs from the approved sample. Camber disrupts feeding, slit-edge cracks become fracture sites, and inconsistent temper causes variable behaviour during forming. Agree acceptance criteria before the factory cuts the production coils.
A Chinese dispatch address does not explain where the steel inputs originated. Official guidance says traders should be prepared to document supply-chain history. Obtain supporting mill and processing records before shipment, and ask your customs broker to check any Russian-input material against the sanctions guidance.
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 saw-blade strip from China?
The supplied heading 7220 lines carry 0% duty, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the exact line from the strip's chemistry, dimensions and processing.
Can I buy any stainless grade for making saw blades?
Specify chemistry, delivery condition and hardness for your blade-making process. Approve a processing sample rather than accepting a generic stainless description.
How do I check hardened saw-blade strip on arrival?
Match coil and heat identities, check dimensions and slit edges, measure hardness across samples, and trial the material in your intended manufacturing process.
What records should I request from the Chinese mill?
Request heat-linked chemistry and mechanical results, delivery-condition records and supply-chain origin evidence. Official guidance says traders should be prepared to document the steel's supply-chain history.