Sourcing steel unequal angles from China
Steel unequal angles from China have listed UK duty rates of 0% to 50%, depending on how they are made. Hot-rolled angles list 50%; the reference guide describes a 0% quota route to confirm with your broker. Structural angles need a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. Cambridge China Bridge sources steel unequal angles.
Rolling route and height determine the tariff line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. Unequal angles have legs of different widths. The hot-rolled angle lines divide at a height of 80 mm; equal and unequal legs do not have separate codes in the supplied tariff data.
The supplied data lists 50% for the hot-rolled angle lines and 0% for the cold-formed or cold-finished lines shown here. It records no separate anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The published reference guide describes a 0% steel quota route for hot-rolled sections. Ask your broker to confirm eligibility and availability before relying on that rate.
Confirm the commodity code using the steel composition, section drawing, manufacturing route and any further working. A bent angle is not interchangeable with a hot-rolled angle simply because its outside dimensions match. See the steel equal angles guide for related angle sourcing within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-rolled unequal angles, height under 80 mm | 7216 21 00 00 | 50% | None |
| Hot-rolled unequal angles, height 80 mm or more | 7216 40 10 00 | 50% | None |
| Unequal angles cold-formed or cold-finished from flat-rolled steel | 7216 61 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other unequal angles, not further worked than cold-formed or cold-finished | 7216 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify both legs and the rolling route
Specify the long leg, short leg, thickness, root radius, length, straightness and permitted twist. State whether the angle is hot-rolled or cold-formed, the steel grade, surface finish and intended use. Include a section drawing showing which leg locates against the adjoining part and where any holes belong.
For hot-rolled structural angles, confirm with the relevant construction products authority whether construction products rules require a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. Agree the applicable standard and supporting documents before ordering. CE marking continues to be available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market.
Specify heat-number identification, inspection certificates and bundle labels that distinguish similar unequal sections. Agree how bare steel or coated surfaces will be protected during loading and transit.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of unequal angles cold-formed from flat-rolled steel under 7216 61 10 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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 both legs, thickness, length, straightness and twist against the agreed drawing and tolerances.
Fit: check the root radius and leg orientation against a mating sample or fixture; verify hole positions where supplied.
Documents: match bundle and piece identification to heat numbers, mill certificates, grade and structural performance documents.
Surface and packing: inspect for laps, seams, rolled-in scale, corrosion and coating damage; check that bundles remain identifiable on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A supplier can deliver the right nominal leg widths but the wrong thickness, root radius or rolling route. Twisted lengths and damaged edges then prevent a flush fit. Mixed bundles can also leave short-leg and long-leg orientations confused during fabrication.
Documents may describe a different grade or heat from the delivered steel. Hot-rolled orders can also lose the expected quota treatment before clearance. Agree acceptance criteria, inspect before loading and repeat identification and dimensional checks on arrival. Use the quality inspection guide to prepare the inspection brief.
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 unequal angles from China?
The supplied tariff data lists 50% for hot-rolled angles and 0% for the cold-formed or cold-finished lines shown. The reference guide describes a 0% hot-rolled quota route; confirm it with your broker.
Do unequal angles use a different code from equal angles?
The supplied angle lines do not separate equal and unequal legs. Classification depends on manufacturing route, height, steel composition and further working.
Do structural unequal angles need CE or UKCA marking?
Confirm with the relevant construction products authority whether hot-rolled structural sections need a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. Confirm that the documents cover the actual product and intended use.
What should I check before accepting unequal angles?
Check both leg widths, thickness, root radius, straightness, twist and fit. Match heat numbers to mill certificates, and inspect corrosion, coating damage and bundle identification.