Sourcing taps and dies from China

UK duty on thread-cutting taps and dies

Heading 8207 covers interchangeable tools. Within it, metalworking taps fall under 8207 40 10 00 and metalworking threading tools, including cutting dies, under 8207 40 30 00. Tools for tapping or threading other materials fall under 8207 40 90 00. Hand and machine taps share a tariff line, so the table separates buying applications rather than distinct codes.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, all these lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the tool's function, workpiece material and packing. Mixed accessory sets may be classified as a set or as separate items. For other tools within the wider heading, see the carbide end mills guide. For thread milling, see our thread milling cutter sourcing guide. For extrusion tooling, see our metal extrusion die sourcing guide.

Specify the thread and cutting application

State the thread system, nominal diameter, pitch, handedness and finished-thread tolerance. For taps, specify hand or machine use, through or blind holes, flute geometry, chamfer, shank and square dimensions. For dies, specify outside diameter, thickness, holder fit and whether the die is solid or adjustable. Distinguish cutting taps from forming taps in the purchase specification. For workholding equipment, see our bench vice sourcing guide. For threaded insert installation, see our hand-operated rivet nut tools guide.

Agree the steel grade, heat treatment, hardness and coating against the workpiece material. Approve samples by cutting threads in that material and checking the finished threads with agreed gauges. Include cutting conditions and lubricant in the trial record so later batches can be compared.

Tools supplied for use at work must be safe so far as reasonably practicable and accompanied by adequate information for safe use. Ask the factory for instructions covering the intended materials, toolholding and cutting conditions. If the range is also sold to consumers, you are responsible for consumer safety and compliance with applicable labelling requirements.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10,000 thread-cutting taps for a tool distributor under 8207 40 10 00, invoiced at £35,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £37,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £37,000, so it is £7,400. 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

Thread and fit: check pitch, handedness, cutting profile, tap shank and square, and die holder dimensions against the approved drawing.

Material and edges: compare material certificates with the agreed grade, test sample hardness and inspect cutting edges for chips, burrs and uneven grinding.

Cutting trial: cut threads in the specified workpiece material, gauge the finished threads and compare cutting behaviour with the approved sample.

Arrival and packing: inspect for corrosion and chipped edges, match size markings to case contents and check protective sleeves and cases. Agree these checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A tap can look correct while cutting the wrong pitch or an oversized thread. Poor grinding leaves burrs, unsuitable flute geometry traps chips in blind holes, and inconsistent heat treatment causes early wear or breakage. A die may cut acceptably but fail to fit the buyer's holder.

Keep a signed drawing and approved cutting sample for every variant. Repeat the agreed cutting trial on shipment samples and check markings against the actual tools. Specify corrosion protection and individual separation so damp packing and contact between cutting edges do not spoil the shipment.

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.