Sourcing Steel Biscuit Tins from China

Duty and classification for biscuit tins

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7310 covers iron or steel containers of up to 300 litres without mechanical or thermal equipment. The relevant biscuit-tin lines carry 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or steel measure. The table distinguishes removable-lid containers from soldered or crimped cans; closure method and intended use affect classification.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control for fluorinated greenhouse gases to these lines. Official guidance says quota, quota authorisations or quota delegations may be needed for fluorinated-gas activities. A specific declaration requirement for empty biscuit tins could not be established from that guidance. The importer should confirm the control and any declaration needed with their customs broker.

Confirm wall thickness, capacity, closure and use through finding your commodity code. See the wider metal-container guide. Ask HMRC or your customs broker to confirm whether these lines fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism and when any obligations apply; consult the registration discussion in the UK carbon border guide and ask the factory for emissions data.

Specify the tin, lacquer and biscuit fit

Specify tinplate thickness, finished dimensions, usable internal space, lid style, edge finish, embossing and artwork position. Trial the intended biscuit arrangement, liners and trays in the sample. Agree how firmly the lid should close and how it should open after packing. Approve a printed production sample that includes the actual internal lacquer.

If you pack biscuits yourself, the packaging must be suitable for food use. Obtain food contact evidence for the tinplate and internal lacquer, including the supplier's declaration of compliance and migration reports for the intended food and storage conditions. Ask the laboratory to assess the finished construction through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Printed steel biscuit tins with removable lids, illustrative order under 7310 29 10 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £13,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £13,500, so it is £2,700. 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

Body and edges: measure thickness and dimensions against the order; check rolled edges, seams, dents, rust and exposed metal.

Lid and filling: compare lid fit with the approved sample; open and close packed samples and check clearance around biscuits, liners and trays.

Lacquer and evidence: inspect internal coverage for scratches and bare spots; match the tinplate, coating and finished tin to the food contact documents.

Print and cartons: compare colour, registration and embossing with the approved sample; check scuffing, dividers and carton damage during quality inspection and again on arrival.

What goes wrong

Thin bodies dent during transport, poorly protected seams rust, and lid distortion changes the opening force. Stacking can scratch printing or internal lacquer. An attractive sample does not settle whether the production coating has suitable food contact evidence.

A removable lid alone does not demonstrate an airtight seal. If biscuit crispness depends on moisture protection, agree the liner or inner pack and test the complete packed product. Record defects on arrival against the approved sample and packing specification before accepting the batch.

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.