Sourcing stainless steel shim stock from China
Stainless steel shim stock under heading 7220 carries 0% UK duty across the relevant Chinese-origin lines, with no trade remedies shown in the supplied tariff snapshot. Classify by width, thickness, nickel content and processing, then agree gauge tolerance and flatness. Cambridge China Bridge sources stainless steel shim stock.
Zero duty on narrow stainless shim stock
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 7220 covers flat-rolled stainless steel less than 600 mm wide. The relevant cold-rolled shim-stock lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, steel measure, suspensions or attached import controls.
For the cold-rolled lines shown, thickness and nickel content determine the subheading. Use the mill chemistry and manufacturing description to confirm the commodity code, including the consignment-country branch. The commodity code must appear on the import declaration. Further-worked material needs a separate classification check. See the stainless steel precision foil guide for the wider heading.
The UK carbon border adjustment mechanism comes into effect on 1 January 2027; confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether these lines fall within its iron and steel scope. Ask the mill about emissions information when planning future imports. Ordinary zero duty does not remove import VAT; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-rolled shim stock, thickness ≤0.35 mm, nickel ≥2.5% | 7220 20 81 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled shim stock, thickness ≤0.35 mm, nickel <2.5% | 7220 20 89 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled shim stock, thickness >0.35 mm and <3 mm, nickel ≥2.5% | 7220 20 41 90 | 0% | None |
| Cold-rolled shim stock, thickness >0.35 mm and <3 mm, nickel <2.5% | 7220 20 49 90 | 0% | None |
Specify gauge, temper and seating flatness
Buy shim stock against the gap and assembly it must fit. Specify stainless grade, nominal thickness and permitted variation, width, coil or cut-sheet format, hardness or temper, surface finish and edge condition. Explain whether the buyer will cut it by shearing, punching or another process. Agree flatness after cutting and acceptable coil curl using a sample.
Ask for a mill certificate linking chemistry and mechanical properties to the heat and supplied coils. Before importing or selling, assess UK REACH registration obligations for the supplied form: registration covers substances, mixtures and certain limited cases involving substances in articles. Request composition and surface-treatment details for that assessment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3 tonnes of cold-rolled stainless steel shim stock in mixed-width coils; FOB value and freight are illustrative under 7220 20 81 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 and heat numbers to the mill certificate; verify the ordered grade through chemical testing where needed.
Gauge: measure clean material across its width and along sampled lengths with a suitable micrometer; compare readings with the agreed tolerance.
Seating and edges: lay cut samples on a flat reference surface; check curl, waviness, slit-edge burrs and whether samples seat properly in the intended assembly.
Surface and packing: inspect for scratches, pitting, embedded debris and handling creases; check thickness labels, protective interleaving and dry packing. Use a written inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A burr can hold mating surfaces apart even when the measured sheet thickness is correct. Coil curl or cutting distortion can prevent a shim from seating, while mixed gauges create assembly errors. Test a cut sample in the intended assembly before accepting the production batch.
Grade substitution, inconsistent temper and damaged thin edges can undermine an otherwise matching order. Keep acceptance criteria tied to measured material and traceable batches. Specify incoming checks before release to production, and use factory verification to check the supplier's rolling, slitting and inspection capability.
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 shim stock from China?
The relevant heading 7220 lines carry 0% duty in the snapshot read on 1 October 2026, with no trade remedies or steel measure shown. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code applies to thin stainless shim stock?
Cold-rolled stock not exceeding 0.35 mm uses 7220 20 81 90 for nickel content of 2.5% or more, or 7220 20 89 90 below 2.5%, subject to width, processing and consignment route.
How do I check shim stock thickness and flatness?
Measure clean samples across the width and along the material against the agreed tolerance. Check cut samples on a flat reference surface and in the assembly; inspect edge burrs separately.
Does stainless shim stock need UK REACH checks?
Assess registration obligations for the supplied form. UK REACH registration covers substances, mixtures and certain limited cases involving substances in articles. Ask for composition and surface-treatment details.