Sourcing steel spiral power springs from China
Steel spiral power springs entered as flat spiral springs carry 0% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy shown in the supplied tariff data. Confirm the code and the compliance requirements of the equipment they enter. Agree torque across the working travel before production. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel spiral power springs.
Flat spiral spring duty and classification
Heading 7320 covers springs and leaves for springs of iron or steel. Flat spiral power springs are the relevant product family under 7320 90 10 90. The table shows variants within this same tariff line, rather than separate classifications. Clock springs classify elsewhere, according to our published steel spring guide. For the wider heading, see our steel constant-force spring guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China. The relevant flat spiral spring line has no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, steel measure, suspension or attached import control listed in the supplied data. The duty range is therefore a single rate of 0%.
Confirm the commodity code using the spring drawing, material and intended application, especially for housed mechanisms or clock applications. The worked order is illustrative, using FOB value and freight rather than a supplier quotation. Read UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat spiral power springs of carbon steel strip | 7320 90 10 90 | 0% | None |
Specify torque, travel and end attachments
Specify strip grade, thickness, width, developed length, arbor diameter, housing clearance and end attachment geometry. Define winding direction from a named viewing side. Agree installation preload, working angular travel and torque tolerances at stated positions during winding and unwinding. A diameter drawing alone cannot establish whether the spring will drive your mechanism correctly.
Agree fatigue life, permissible torque loss, permanent set, surface finish and lubrication. Request strip material certificates and heat-treatment records. Ask for a sample tested in your intended arbor and housing, with its torque curve recorded before and after cycling.
For many products, a single conformity marking covering the overall product is sufficient, according to government machinery guidance. Confirm the finished equipment's compliance scope before requesting spring markings. REACH restrictions can limit, ban or impose conditions on substances. Ask the supplier to identify the strip, coating and lubricant so applicable restrictions can be checked.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative production batch of steel spiral power springs under 7320 90 10 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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
Torque and travel: measure winding and unwinding torque through the agreed working travel in the specified fixture; check preload, direction and residual torque after cycling.
Strip and ends: measure strip dimensions and end geometry; inspect edges, slots and hooks for burrs, cracks and tool marks; match material records to the delivered batch.
Fit and durability: check arbor engagement, housing clearance and coil rubbing; cycle samples in the intended mechanism and inspect for permanent set, torque loss and end damage.
Packing and arrival: check corrosion protection, batch identification and restraints against uncontrolled unwinding; quarantine distorted or rusty parts. Agree the sampling and records through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
An ambiguous winding-direction drawing can produce a spring that fits but drives the mechanism backwards. Incorrect preload or an unsuitable torque curve leaves insufficient return force or overloads the end attachment. A supplier's test on a different arbor or housing can conceal rubbing and engagement problems.
Burrs and tool marks at hooks or slots can become fatigue crack sites. Poor heat treatment causes permanent set, while corrosion damages the strip surface. Test the approved sample and production samples in the same fixture, retain torque records, and inspect end attachments after cycling.
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 spiral power springs from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty under 7320 90 10 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure listed.
Which commodity code covers steel spiral power springs?
Flat spiral springs are listed under 7320 90 10 90. Confirm the actual product and application; clock springs and complete mechanisms need separate classification consideration.
What should I put on a spiral power spring drawing?
Include strip grade and dimensions, arbor and housing geometry, end attachments, winding direction, preload, working travel and torque tolerances during winding and unwinding.
How do I check whether the spring will last?
Cycle samples in the intended arbor and housing. Compare torque before and after cycling, then check permanent set, strip cracks and end attachment damage against the agreed acceptance criteria.