Sourcing tin scrap and solder dross from China
Tin waste and scrap from China, including solder dross and tin-bearing scrap bought for recovery, pays 0% UK duty under the single code 8002 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. The code carries the waste import control, so waste documents, or consent for notifiable waste, must be settled before shipping. Buyers check tin and lead content and assay terms.
0% duty and the waste control
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 8002 covers tin waste and scrap. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
The code carries the waste import control. Material that is still waste needs the information document for non-hazardous green-list waste, or prior written notification and consent for notifiable waste, arranged before it leaves China; material that is not waste clears on a declaration.
Tin ingots and solder are covered in our tin and solder guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tin waste and scrap | 8002 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying tin scrap
Specify the material (solder dross, tin plate clippings, alloy scrap), tin, lead, silver and copper content, contamination and moisture limits, and packing. Solder dross containing lead may be hazardous, which affects whether the shipment is notifiable; confirm the classification and route with the Environment Agency before contracting.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5 tonnes of tin-lead solder dross under 8002 00 00 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £41,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £41,200, so it is £8,240. 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
Assay: sample and assay tin and lead.
Classification: check the waste code and whether the lot is notifiable.
Documents: check waste documents or consent before loading. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Tin scrap deals fail on assay and paperwork. Tin content is below the invoice, lead-bearing dross is shipped as green-list waste, and consignments are held.
Cambridge China Bridge sources metals for UK refiners and recyclers with assay and documents agreed before payment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on tin scrap from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, tin waste and scrap under 8002 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Does solder dross need waste documents?
If it is waste, yes; lead-bearing dross may be notifiable, so confirm the route first.
How is tin scrap paid for?
On assayed tin content, with the sampling and laboratory agreed first.
Are tin ingots in heading 8002?
No. Unwrought tin is heading 8001.