Sourcing toughened solar cover glass from China
UK duty is 0% across the listed toughened solar-glass lines from China. Match the tariff specification, thickness and coating before choosing a code; finalise cutting and edge work before toughening. Cambridge China Bridge sources toughened solar-panel cover glass.
Zero duty on the listed solar-glass lines
Heading 7007 covers toughened and laminated safety glass. This guide concerns toughened cover panes supplied for solar-panel manufacture. The solar-glass descriptions specify tempered soda-lime flat glass and criteria for iron content, solar transmittance, heat resistance, thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength. The table separates qualifying glass by thickness and coating.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all the solar-glass lines shown carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code against the complete tariff description using the material specification and test reports. A supplier calling a pane solar glass does not establish that it meets those criteria. For other safety-glass products, see toughened and laminated glass.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated toughened solar glass, thickness not exceeding 4.5 mm | 7007 19 80 12 | 0% | None |
| Single or double-side coated toughened solar glass, thickness not exceeding 4.5 mm | 7007 19 80 18 | 0% | None |
| Uncoated toughened solar glass, thickness exceeding 4.5 mm | 7007 19 80 80 | 0% | None |
| Single or double-side coated toughened solar glass, thickness exceeding 4.5 mm | 7007 19 80 85 | 0% | None |
Specify the glass for the module assembly
State pane dimensions, thickness tolerances, edge finish, corner shape, surface texture and permitted bow. Specify uncoated or coated glass, the coated face, solar transmittance and the measurement method. Ask for reports matching the supplied glass composition, thickness and coating rather than a different factory sample.
Agree coating appearance, scratch acceptance and compatibility with the module manufacturer's encapsulation process. Finalise cutting, drilling and edge work before toughening. Approve a sample pane in the intended assembly before releasing production.
If the glass is supplied as building glazing, confirm with the relevant authority whether a designated construction-product standard applies and which declaration of performance and marking documents are needed. CE marking continues to be available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Settle the intended use with the buyer before agreeing the compliance documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 800 coated toughened solar-panel cover panes, illustrative order under 7007 19 80 18, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £45,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £45,000, so it is £9,000. 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
Dimensions: measure thickness, length, width, diagonals, bow and edge finish against the approved drawing. Check sample panes fit the intended module assembly.
Optical performance: match batch reports to the specified transmittance and test method. Inspect for haze, inclusions, scratches and uneven coating; confirm the coated face.
Toughening: review batch-linked fragmentation and mechanical-strength results against the agreed specification. Use quality inspection to check that sampled panes match the ordered thickness and finish.
Packaging: inspect pane separation, edge protection, crate restraint and moisture protection before loading and on arrival. Check solid wood crates for legible wood-packaging compliance marks. A legible ISPM15 mark provides certification without separate phytosanitary or treatment certificates.
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What goes wrong
Cover panes can arrive with chipped edges, rubbed coatings or scratches where separators have shifted. Bow or incorrect dimensions can prevent satisfactory assembly. Uneven coating or a report for different glass leaves the buyer unable to confirm the optical performance ordered.
A generic toughened-glass report may omit the solar-glass tariff criteria. Obtain reports for the actual product, preserve batch identification and photograph crate damage before unpacking. Agree how damaged panes and disputed test results will be assessed before shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on toughened solar-panel cover glass from China?
The supplied UK Trade Tariff snapshot shows 0% duty across the listed solar-glass lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Do coated and uncoated solar glass use the same commodity code?
No. The listed solar-glass lines distinguish uncoated from single or double-side coated panes, then separate thickness not exceeding 4.5 mm from thicker glass.
Can toughened solar cover glass be cut after delivery?
No. Cutting, drilling and edge work must be completed before toughening. Finalise the drawing and approve the pane size before production.
What test reports should I request for solar cover glass?
Request product-matched reports for iron content, solar transmittance, heat resistance, thermal shock resistance and mechanical strength, plus batch-linked toughening evidence.