Sourcing titanium round bars from China
Titanium round bars from China carry 6% UK duty, or 0% where a listed suspension applies. Match the exact bar specification to the tariff line before claiming relief, and confirm grade, heat traceability and machining allowance before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources titanium round bars.
Round bar duty and conditional suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, heading 8108 covers titanium and its articles, including waste and scrap. Round bars fall within its bars and rods branch. The listed bar lines have a standard China duty of 6%, with 0% suspensions for qualifying named-standard alloy rods, specified cylindrical alloy rods and specified forged cylindrical bars. The selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
The suspensions exclude mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing these products. The tariff attaches waste import and export controls to the selected lines. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For a China shipment involving scrap or disputed waste status, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirements. The forged cylindrical bar line also lists a supplementary import unit; confirm the declaration unit with your broker.
Send the composition, manufacturing process, diameter and intended supply condition to your broker before choosing the commodity code. Do not assume that every alloy round bar qualifies for a suspension. See the wider titanium guide for other product forms and UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Titanium alloy rods meeting the named standards | 8108 90 30 10 | 6% | None |
| Cylindrical titanium alloy rods meeting the stated diameter and composition | 8108 90 30 15 | 6% | None |
| Titanium bars meeting the stated purity and diameter conditions | 8108 90 30 35 | 6% | None |
| Forged cylindrical titanium bars meeting the stated purity, diameter and weight | 8108 90 30 60 | 6% | None |
| Other titanium bars and rods | 8108 90 30 90 | 6% | None |
Specify round bars for the machining job
Specify the titanium grade, product standard, diameter, cut length, straightness, surface condition and machining allowance. State whether you need forged, rolled, peeled or ground stock, and agree the condition in which dimensions will be inspected. Include chemistry and mechanical properties in the purchase specification.
Ask for a mill certificate linked to each heat and retain that link after cutting bars. Agree independent chemistry and mechanical testing for the first delivery. For critical machined parts, specify ultrasonic inspection and its acceptance criteria before production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of grade 5 titanium round bars; values are illustrative under 8108 90 30 90, invoiced at £58,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £60,000. Duty at 6% is £3,600. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £63,600, so it is £12,720. Import taxes total £16,320; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,600 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Material: compare each heat certificate with the ordered grade, chemistry and mechanical properties; independently test sampled material against the specification.
Dimensions: measure diameter along each sampled bar and check straightness, cut length and available machining allowance.
Surface: inspect for laps, seams, cracks and residual alpha case that could remain after machining.
Traceability and packing: match bar markings to heat certificates, preserve identification on cut pieces and check separation from steel. Set out these checks in the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
Commercially pure titanium can arrive against an alloy order, while a certificate copied from another heat can make incorrect material appear acceptable. Diameter variation, bent bars and surface defects can consume the allowance needed to machine the finished part.
Hold material with missing heat identification or conflicting test results apart from accepted stock. Obtain an agreed disposition before cutting it into production. Keep photographs, measurements and retained samples linked to the affected heat.
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 titanium round bars from China?
The listed round bar lines carry 6% standard duty. Qualifying named-standard alloy rods, specified cylindrical alloy rods and specified forged cylindrical bars have 0% suspensions. The selected lines show no trade remedy duty.
Do all titanium round bars qualify for zero duty?
No. The suspension must match the specific tariff line and its conditions. Other bars under 8108 90 30 90 carry 6%; a supplier's alloy description alone does not establish eligibility.
What paperwork should titanium round bars come with?
Ask for a mill certificate showing the heat number, chemistry and mechanical properties against the ordered standard. Match it to the bar markings and agree independent verification before shipment.
What should I check when titanium round bars arrive?
Check grade evidence, heat identification, diameter, straightness, cut length and surface defects. Confirm that the stock leaves the agreed machining allowance and that packing has kept it apart from steel.