Sourcing steel fuel jerry cans from China
Steel fuel jerry cans from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 7310 lines. Petrol storage cans must meet the applicable capacity, construction and labelling requirements; confirm any dangerous-goods transport approval requirements and exemptions for the intended use with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel fuel jerry cans.
Zero duty on the relevant steel-container lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7310 covers iron or steel containers of no more than 300 litres without mechanical or thermal equipment, excluding containers for compressed or liquefied gas. Reusable jerry cans below 50 litres fall within the other-container branches. The table repeats the relevant codes for closure variants; it does not establish that a thin-wall design is suitable for petrol.
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty from China, no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, no steel trade measure and no suspension on these lines. The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases. Official guidance concerns fluorinated gas and equipment containing it; it does not establish the declaration treatment of empty fuel cans. Confirm the attached control and any document requirement with your customs broker.
Confirm capacity, wall thickness and closure construction through finding your commodity code. See the wider metal-container guide for the heading context and import duty and VAT for tax calculations.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel fuel jerry cans, wall at least 0.5 mm, clamp closure | 7310 29 90 90 | 0% | None |
| Steel fuel jerry cans, wall under 0.5 mm, clamp closure | 7310 29 10 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the fuel, closure and petrol-storage use
State whether the can is for petrol or diesel, storage or dangerous-goods transport. Specify steel grade, minimum wall thickness, internal coating, gasket material, closure type, locking arrangement and pouring-spout fit. Ask for fuel-compatibility evidence for the coating and seal, and approve a sample with the actual cap and spout.
HSE guidance for suitable portable petrol storage containers limits metal cans to a nominal capacity of 20 litres and requires total capacity between 10% and 15% greater. It calls for secure closures that prevent liquid or vapour leakage. Petrol containers require clear, durable petrol and flammability wording, a hazard sign, nominal capacity and manufacturer and manufacture-date information.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether cans used to transport dangerous goods need UN-approved packaging for the intended use and whether an exemption applies. Ask for the certificate covering the supplied design and closure where approval is required. Importers selling consumer cans are responsible for their safety and legal labelling. Arrange testing and certification checks before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order, not a quote: 300 steel fuel jerry cans under 7310 29 90 90, invoiced at £4,500 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,000, so it is £1,200. 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 welds: compare wall thickness and empty weight with the approved specification; check seams, handle attachments, sharp edges, dents and base stability.
Closure and pouring: check gasket seating, latch or thread engagement, locking parts and spout fit; review leak-test results for the supplied assembly.
Coating and cleanliness: inspect internal coverage, rust, loose particles and coating damage around welds and the neck; compare coating and gasket materials with the approved sample.
Markings and evidence: compare petrol labels with HSE guidance and match any required transport approval to the actual can and closure. Use the inspection guide to agree the checks before shipment.
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What goes wrong
A sample may seal correctly while production cans have distorted necks, uneven welds or substituted gaskets. Internal coating can miss the seam or flake near the opening. Carton pressure can dent the base or closure, leaving a can unstable or difficult to seal.
A certificate for a different closure does not establish performance of the delivered assembly. Keep the approved cap, gasket and spout in the specification, compare production evidence with that assembly, and investigate leakage or material changes before accepting stock.
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 steel jerry cans from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty on the relevant heading 7310 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Can I sell a steel can for petrol storage?
Check the applicable petrol-container requirements. HSE guidance limits suitable portable metal petrol containers to 20 litres nominal capacity and requires expansion space, secure closures and durable labelling.
Does every fuel jerry can need UN approval?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether cans used for dangerous-goods transport need UN-approved packaging or qualify for an exemption. Confirm the intended use and obtain the certificate where approval is required.
What should I check before accepting delivery?
Check welds, wall thickness, internal coating, gasket seating, closure operation, spout fit and labels. Match leak-test evidence and any required transport certificate to the delivered design.