Sourcing tin-bismuth alloy ingots from China
Tin-bismuth alloy ingots confirmed under heading 8001 carry 0% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedies. Confirm classification from composition and form, and check chemical classification before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources tin-bismuth alloy ingots.
UK duty on tin-bismuth alloy ingots
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 8001 covers unwrought tin, including tin alloys under 8001 20 00 00. This guide concerns tin-bismuth ingots confirmed within that line. The table shows different purchasing uses of the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for tin alloys from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. These findings concern tariff measures; check UK REACH registration obligations for the constituent substances and chemical classification and labelling before sale in Great Britain.
Give your customs broker the full composition, analysis certificate and description of the ingot form to confirm the commodity code. For the wider solder-bar family, see lead-free tin solder bars.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tin-bismuth alloy ingots for remelting | 8001 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the tin-bismuth composition and melt behaviour
Write down the required tin and bismuth contents, permitted variation and impurity limits, including lead. State whether other metals are intentionally added. Specify ingot dimensions, individual weight, batch identification and a certificate of analysis for each melt.
Agree the melting range and a sample remelting trial in your own process. For solder use, check wetting and joint performance with your intended substrate and flux. Ask the factory to explain its sampling method and how certificates remain linked to delivered ingots.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1,500 kg of tin-bismuth alloy ingots under 8001 20 00 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £27,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,900, so it is £5,580. 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
Composition: compare each melt certificate with the agreed tin, bismuth and impurity specification, and arrange independent laboratory checks on representative samples.
Traceability: match ingot markings, bundle labels and packing-list batches to the analysis certificates.
Condition: inspect for cracks, excessive surface oxide, loose contamination and damaged ingots; weigh the delivered material against the packing list.
Process trial: remelt a retained sample and compare melt behaviour and, where relevant, solder wetting with the approved sample.
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What goes wrong
A certificate for the approved sample can be supplied with a different production melt. Mixed batches, incorrect tin-to-bismuth proportions or unwanted lead can make delivered material unsuitable for the agreed process. Appearance alone cannot establish composition.
Keep batches separate until certificate matching, sampling and process checks are complete. Agree how disputed material will be sampled and tested before ordering. See quality inspection explained.
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 tin-bismuth alloy ingots from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for tin alloys under 8001 20 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your composition and ingot form fit this code.
What should a tin-bismuth ingot certificate show?
Ask for the melt or batch identity, measured tin and bismuth contents, relevant impurities and the test method. Match the certificate to the markings on the delivered material.
Can I accept a lead-free statement without testing?
Agree a measurable lead limit and obtain batch analysis. For solder used in electrical products, confirm with the relevant authority which lead restrictions and exemptions apply to the intended use.
Does zero duty remove chemical compliance checks?
No. Check UK REACH registration obligations for constituent substances. Substances and mixtures sold in Great Britain must be classified and labelled under its chemical classification rules.