Sourcing steel drawing pins from China

Zero duty on steel drawing pins

Heading 7317 covers iron or steel drawing pins, including those with heads of other materials, but excludes articles with copper heads. The table shows head and finish variants within the same tariff line for stamped pins. Wire-made pins need separate classification consideration.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, steel measure, suspensions or import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

For stamped drawing pins, check 7317 00 80 00; for wire-made designs, check 7317 00 60 00. Give your broker the construction drawing, materials and manufacturing method before confirming the commodity code. For other products within the heading, see upholstery tacks.

Specify the point, head and finish

State whether the pin is stamped from sheet steel or assembled from a wire point and a separate head. Agree head diameter, point length, thickness, tolerances and finish against a retained sample. Distinguish plated steel from stainless steel, and painted heads from plastic-covered heads. Test insertion and removal in the board material your customers use.

Importers placing products on the UK market need to demonstrate compliance with relevant safety requirements. Assess puncture risks, burrs around the head, loose head coverings and points escaping from packs. Agree packaging and any safety information against the intended use. Ask for testing and certification support when the evidence needs specialist review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order, not a quote: 25 cartons of retail-packed stamped steel drawing pins under 7317 00 80 00, invoiced at £4,800 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,800, so it is £1,360. 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

Dimensions and points: compare head diameter, point length and straightness with the approved drawing; check for blunt tips, bent points and sharp burrs around the head.

Head security: press pins into the intended board and remove them; check that separate heads and plastic coverings stay attached and stamped points do not fold.

Finish: inspect for rust, exposed steel, flaking plating and chipped paint; rub coloured heads against clean paper to check for transfer.

Packs and identification: count contents, check closures and look for points piercing the pack; match product references, batch identification and importer contact details to the approved artwork.

What goes wrong

Thin stamped points can fold during insertion, while blunt tips need excessive pressure. Separate heads can loosen when a pin is pulled out. Paint can chip at the rim, plating can leave exposed steel, and damp cartons can arrive with rust marks. Compare production samples with the retained sample rather than relying on photographs.

A pack that opens during handling leaves loose sharp pins in the carton. Test the filled pack after handling, inspect carton interiors on arrival and hold damaged stock apart while investigating. Include insertion, removal and packaging checks in the agreed quality inspection.

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.