Sourcing steel split cotter pins from China
Steel split cotter pins from China carry 0% UK duty under 7318 24 00 90, with no trade remedy or attached import control in the supplied tariff snapshot. Confirm the code against the actual pin design and specify material, dimensions and bend behaviour. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel split cotter pins.
Duty on steel split cotter pins
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, ordinary steel split cotter pins fall within the cotters and cotter pins branch of heading 7318. This heading also covers screws, bolts, nuts, rivets and washers. The table shows purchasing variants sharing the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
The supplied tariff record lists 0% duty for Chinese goods under 7318 24 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%. The separate tube or pipe restraint joint element line describes specialised moulded components, rather than ordinary split cotter pins.
Give your customs broker the drawing, material and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For related non-threaded fasteners within the wider heading, see steel spring pins.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain carbon steel split cotter pins | 7318 24 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify hole fit and bend behaviour
Specify the steel grade, finish, pin diameter, usable length below the eye, eye shape, leg lengths and dimensional tolerances on a drawing. Identify the mating hole and the space available for spreading the legs. Approve a sample in the actual assembly rather than relying on a supplier's nominal size alone.
Agree a bend check using the intended fitting method, with acceptance criteria for cracking, leg separation and coating damage. Ask for material and coating composition information. Where the UK REACH Candidate List information duty applies, the information supplied must include the substance name as a minimum.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4,000 steel split cotter pins for maintenance stock under 7318 24 00 90, invoiced at £300 free on board, with £50 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £350. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £350, so it is £70. 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 pin diameter, usable length and eye geometry against the approved drawing; trial-fit sampled pins in the mating hole.
Bending: spread the legs using the agreed fitting method and check for fractures, splitting or excessive resistance.
Surface: check for burrs, sharp tips, rust and patchy coating, including inside the eye and between the legs.
Packing: check size separation, quantities and batch identification against the order; retain labelled samples for comparison.
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What goes wrong
A pin can match the catalogue description but fail to pass through the mating hole because its formed section or coating differs from the approved sample. Short usable length leaves too little material to spread securely; unsuitable material can crack during bending. Mixed sizes in maintenance packs make these faults harder to spot.
Keep the approved drawing and sample linked to the production batch. Agree rejection criteria before shipment and repeat fit and bend checks on arrival. Use the quality inspection guide to plan checks.
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 split cotter pins from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 0% under 7318 24 00 90, with no trade remedy or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Are split cotter pins the same as spring pins?
No. A split cotter pin has an eye and legs spread after insertion. A spring pin retains through its spring action. Specify the design on a drawing.
What should I send a Chinese cotter pin factory?
Send the drawing, steel grade, finish, mating hole details, bend acceptance criteria and packing requirements. Include an approved sample where possible.
How do I check cotter pins on arrival?
Check dimensions, trial-fit sampled pins, spread the legs using the agreed method, and inspect for cracks, burrs, rust, coating defects and mixed sizes.