Sourcing torsion springs from China
Steel torsion springs from China carry 0% UK duty across the listed spring categories, with no trade remedies recorded. Confirm the code from the spring's construction and specify torque at working angles, winding direction and leg geometry before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources torsion springs.
UK duty on torsion springs
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied lines under heading 7320 cover springs and leaves for springs of iron or steel. For torsion springs, distinguish hot-worked helical construction, other helical construction and flat spiral construction. The table lists candidate categories, not interchangeable codes; the residual category is for springs outside the named categories. Clock springs and springs of other metals classify elsewhere.
Every supplied line carries 0% third-country duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension, steel measure or attached import control. This describes the tariff record, rather than the conformity of the spring or the equipment containing it.
Confirm the drawing, material, construction and manufacturing process using finding your commodity code. See the steel springs guide for the wider heading and UK import duty and VAT for the tax calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot-worked helical springs | 7320 20 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Other helical springs, including coil torsion springs | 7320 20 89 90 | 0% | None |
| Flat spiral springs, excluding clock springs | 7320 90 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Other iron or steel springs outside the named spring categories | 7320 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify torque, winding direction and legs
Give the factory a drawing stating material grade, wire or strip dimensions, coil diameter, body length, coil count, winding direction and leg shape. Define the viewing direction used to describe the winding. Show the unloaded leg angle, installed position, direction of movement and torque tolerance at each agreed working angle.
Specify the supporting shaft, available clearance, working travel and whether adjacent coils may touch. Agree fatigue testing in a fixture that represents the installation, along with stress relieving, surface finish and any specified shot peening. Ask for material certificates and batch-linked torque test records.
Some product classes require conformity assessment before market placement. Confirm the requirements for the intended application before ordering; ask the relevant authority how springs used in lifting or safety devices should be addressed in the equipment's conformity assessment. Agree any application testing through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of helical torsion springs made to an agreed drawing under 7320 20 89 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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
Geometry: check winding direction, unloaded leg angle, leg lengths, bends, wire diameter and coil dimensions against the approved drawing; trial-fit samples on the intended shaft.
Torque: measure torque at the agreed working angles with a calibrated tester and representative fixture; check loading direction, clearance and return to the unloaded position.
Material and durability: match certificates to the production batch, review stress-relieving records and cycle-test samples where fatigue life matters; examine leg bends and coil surfaces for cracks or tool marks.
Finish and packing: inspect coating coverage, corrosion and sharp ends; confirm baking records where specified after plating, and use separated packing to prevent tangled legs and transport damage.
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What goes wrong
A spring can match the coil dimensions but fail in the assembly because its winding direction or leg orientation is wrong. Undefined viewing directions and torque measurement positions cause disputes. Approve a sample in the buyer's fixture and retain the drawing and test method used for acceptance.
Torque can drift when wire diameter or coil count varies. Inadequate stress relieving can leave permanent set, while tool marks and plating-related hydrogen embrittlement can cause early failure. Check production-batch samples rather than relying only on the approved sample, and repeat the fit and torque checks on arrival.
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 torsion springs from China?
The supplied heading 7320 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded.
Which commodity code covers coil torsion springs?
7320 20 89 90 is the candidate for other helical springs. Hot-worked helical springs have a separate line. Confirm construction and manufacturing process before declaring the code.
What should a torsion spring drawing specify?
State material, wire diameter, coil dimensions, winding and viewing direction, leg geometry, unloaded angle, working angles and torque tolerances. Include the shaft and available clearance.
How do I check torsion springs on arrival?
Check winding direction and leg geometry, trial-fit samples, then measure torque at the agreed angles. Match material and treatment records to the batch and review the agreed fatigue test results.