Sourcing steel paint cans from China
Empty steel paint cans from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 7310 lines. Specify the closure and paint-compatible lining; cans used to transport dangerous goods generally need approved packaging unless an exemption applies. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel paint cans.
Duty on empty steel paint cans
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant lines carry 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or steel trade measure shown. Heading 7310 covers iron or steel containers of up to 300 litres, excluding containers for compressed or liquefied gas and those fitted with mechanical or thermal equipment. This guide concerns empty steel paint cans.
The table shows classification alternatives according to closure construction and wall thickness. A removable paint-can lid should not be described as a soldered or crimped closure merely because the bottom has a seam. The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases to these lines. Confirm the applicable requirement and customs declaration with your customs broker.
Give your broker the drawing, capacity, wall thickness, closure method and confirmation that the cans arrive empty. Confirm the commodity code before ordering. See metal cans, drums and tins for the wider heading. Consult that published guide and confirm with the relevant environmental regulator whether your metal packaging activities fall within packaging producer responsibility reporting requirements.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other steel paint cans, capacity under 50 litres, wall below 0.5 mm | 7310 29 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other steel paint cans, capacity under 50 litres, wall 0.5 mm or more | 7310 29 90 90 | 0% | None |
| Soldered or crimped paint cans, capacity under 50 litres, wall below 0.5 mm | 7310 21 91 00 | 0% | None |
| Soldered or crimped paint cans, capacity under 50 litres, wall 0.5 mm or more | 7310 21 99 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the lid, lining and paint compatibility
Specify the steel grade, body and base thickness, dimensions, brimful capacity, lid profile and handle attachment. Agree the welded body seam, bottom seam, internal lining, external coating and artwork. Tell the factory whether the intended paint is water-based or solvent-based, and ask the filler to approve samples against its formulation and closing equipment.
Approve a filling and storage trial using the intended paint. Agree checks for leakage, lining damage, corrosion, lid opening and resealing. For cans used to transport dangerous goods, approved packaging and its marking are generally required unless an applicable exemption applies. Ask for the certificate covering the supplied can and closure where approval is required.
Packaging must use the minimum weight and volume needed to keep the product safe and hygienic. Agree material use alongside dent resistance and safe handling, rather than accepting a thinner can without a trial.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20,000 empty steel paint cans; FOB value and freight are illustrative, not a quotation. 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 seams: compare dimensions and thickness with the approved drawing; inspect welds, bottom seams, dents, sharp edges and exposed metal.
Lid and handle: check lid seating, opening and resealing against the approved sample; test handle attachments using the agreed filled-can load.
Lining and leakage: open samples to check coverage, scratches and contamination; match compatibility and leakage results to the actual can, closure and intended paint.
Print and arrival condition: compare artwork and colour with the approved sample; check rust, distorted rims, scratched coatings and carton protection during quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A lid can fit an empty sample but leak after filling or become difficult to reseal. Distorted rims, uneven seams and damaged lining can cause leakage or corrosion. Handle attachments can distort the body under load, while poorly protected cans arrive dented or scratched.
Artwork approval alone leaves the important checks unresolved. Keep an approved can-and-lid sample with the filler, trial the intended paint, and agree how changes to steel thickness, lining or closure are reported. Compare arrival stock with that sample before filling.
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 paint cans from China?
The relevant heading 7310 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Confirm the code for the actual can.
Do steel paint cans need dangerous goods approval?
Cans used to transport dangerous goods generally need approved packaging and its marking unless an applicable exemption applies. Check the intended paint and supplied can-and-closure design.
How do I choose the internal lining?
Give the factory the intended paint formulation and ask the filler to trial the proposed lining. Inspect coverage and check for corrosion, coating damage and leakage after storage.
What should I check when the cans arrive?
Check dents, rust, seams, lid fit, handle attachments, lining coverage and print against the approved sample. Trial closing and resealing before filling production stock.