Sourcing steel machinery levelling feet from China
Steel machinery levelling feet classified within heading 7326 face 2% UK duty from China across the relevant candidate lines. Confirm classification from the complete assembly and manufacturing process, and specify load performance at the intended extension. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel machinery levelling feet.
Duty and classification for steel levelling feet
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 7326 covers other articles of iron or steel. The table lists classification candidates for complete feet or separately imported steel bodies. These are alternatives based on construction and manufacturing process, rather than interchangeable codes for the same foot. Send drawings, material details and assembly photographs to your broker and confirm the commodity code.
The supplied snapshot shows 2% duty from China on these lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no steel measure. The open-die and closed-die lines have narrowly described suspensions for reactor shells and trailer-hitch components respectively, which do not describe levelling feet. The residual line has no suspension and attaches torture-goods import prohibition and export restriction measures. Confirm the applicable declaration requirement with your customs broker; the official import notice identifies specific banned goods.
Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether heading 7326 and the actual levelling feet fall within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism, and when any obligations apply. Ask the factory for emissions information and review the UK carbon border guide. Budget separately for import VAT at 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other worked steel articles: candidate for assembled levelling feet | 7326 90 98 90 | 2% | None |
| Open-die forged steel articles: candidate for forged foot bodies | 7326 90 92 90 | 2% | None |
| Closed-die forged steel articles: candidate for forged foot bodies | 7326 90 94 90 | 2% | None |
| Sintered steel articles: candidate for sintered foot components | 7326 90 96 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the stem, base and working load together
Give the factory a drawing stating thread diameter, pitch, usable threaded length, adjustment range, base diameter and height, spanner flats and locking arrangement. Identify the steel grade and coating for the stem and base separately. Specify whether the base swivels, whether it has an anchor hole, and whether a bonded pad is included.
Request load-test evidence for the complete foot at the intended extension and floor angle. Ask how the claimed capacity changes with side loading, vibration and an uneven floor. Describe exposure to washdown, oils and cleaning chemicals so the coating and pad can be assessed against the actual installation.
Agree batch identification and installation information showing adjustment limits and locking instructions. For workplace use, HSE advises inspecting work equipment in line with a risk assessment. Include the installed feet and their supporting surfaces in that assessment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5,000 steel machinery levelling feet under 7326 90 98 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £35,000. Duty at 2% is £700. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £35,700, so it is £7,140. Import taxes total £7,840; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £700 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Thread fit: check pitch and engagement with the buyer's mating component, including coated threads, locking nuts and usable adjustment.
Load and joint: test the agreed assembly configuration; check stem bending, base distortion, swivel retention and locking after loading.
Finish and pad: inspect coating coverage, rust, sharp edges and pad bonding; compare pad behaviour with the approved sample.
Arrival condition: check bent stems, seized joints and transit corrosion, then reconcile carton contents and batch identification. Use the agreed inspection plan.
What goes wrong
A quoted capacity may describe a short stem under a centred static load, while the installation uses a longer extension with vibration or side loading. A swivelling base can conceal a weak retention joint. Require evidence for the supplied configuration and trial the approved sample on the intended machine.
Coating can obstruct threads, loose locking nuts can let adjustment creep, and poorly bonded pads can detach during handling. Mixed stem lengths or thread pitches make apparently identical cartons unusable. Keep an approved assembly, drawing and packing schedule as the comparison set.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on steel machinery levelling feet from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 2% on the relevant heading 7326 candidate lines. Confirm the code for the actual assembly; the listed forged-product suspensions do not describe levelling feet.
Which commodity code should I use for adjustable steel feet?
7326 90 98 90 is a candidate for other worked steel articles. Forged or sintered bodies have separate candidate lines. Give your broker the complete assembly drawing, materials and manufacturing process.
How do I check a supplier's load rating?
Request a test report identifying the supplied stem, base and joint, the extension used, load direction and acceptance criteria. Match those conditions to your installation and test the approved sample.
Can I use the same foot for washdown and dry machinery?
Compare the steel grade, coating, joint design and pad with the actual cleaning chemicals and moisture exposure. Approve samples for each environment rather than relying on appearance.