Sourcing steel lifting chain from China

Duty and classification for lifting chain

Heading 7315 covers iron or steel chain and its parts. Welded-link lifting chain is the main product here; the table also includes other chain constructions and parts for classification checks. These descriptions do not establish that a chain is suitable for lifting. See the wider steel chain guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 October 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm whether the goods are loose welded chain, articulated chain, other chain or separately supplied parts before choosing the commodity code. Give your customs broker the construction, intended use, drawings and details of any assembled fittings.

Specify the lifting application and chain grade

Specify whether the chain will run through a hoist or form part of a lifting sling. Agree the grade, working load limit, link diameter, pitch, internal width, supplied length and surface finish. For hoist chain, match the dimensions to the intended pocket wheel rather than accepting a nominal size alone.

Chain designed for lifting falls within the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. Compliance includes applicable essential health and safety requirements, conformity assessment, a declaration of conformity and the relevant conformity marking. Agree the documents and markings before production, alongside material, proof-load and breaking-load records matched to the batch.

Use testing and certification support to agree the test plan. Ask the manufacturer to approve the proposed finish for the chain grade, especially where plating or galvanising is requested.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 12 tonnes of welded-link steel lifting chain under 7315 82 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,400, so it is £4,680. 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: measure link diameter, pitch and internal width against the approved drawing; check supplied lengths and, for hoist chain, compatibility with the specified pocket wheel.

Welds and finish: inspect for cracks, poor weld formation, distorted links and corrosion. Check that the delivered finish matches the manufacturer's approved specification.

Load tests: match proof-load records to the delivered batch and witness or repeat agreed sample breaking tests. Check breaking force and elongation against the purchase specification.

Identification and documents: match grade and load markings, maker details and batch references to the chain and its certificates. Check the declaration of conformity and relevant conformity marking before releasing stock.

What goes wrong

Poor welds can crack under load, and inadequate heat treatment can leave chain stretching or breaking below its rated load. Incorrect link dimensions can prevent hoist chain seating properly in its pocket wheel. Plating or galvanising high-grade alloy chain without the manufacturer's approval can cause hydrogen embrittlement.

Keep suspect batches separate while the supplier resolves mismatched test records, unclear markings or dimensional failures. Workplace users should confirm their duties under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, including any thorough examination requirements, with the Health and Safety Executive; factory test records should be retained alongside the user's examination records.

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.