Sourcing transparent conductive glass from China
Transparent conductive coated float glass from China carries 0% UK duty across the relevant coated-sheet lines. Heading 7005 covers sheets that are not otherwise worked; confirm the coating and thickness before declaring the code. Cambridge China Bridge sources transparent conductive coated float glass.
Duty on conductive coated glass sheets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7005 covers float glass and surface-ground or polished glass in sheets, with or without an absorbent, reflecting or non-reflecting layer, but not otherwise worked. This guide concerns transparent conductive coated float glass supplied as sheets. The table gives possible coated-sheet lines, selected by the layer's properties and glass thickness.
The relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. The zero rate is the ordinary duty rate, rather than a suspension. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.
You must include the commodity code on the import declaration. Give your broker the coating composition, optical properties, thickness and details of any further processing; a description such as conductive glass alone does not settle classification. Confirm the commodity code. For the wider coated-float-glass family, see low-emissivity coated float glass sheets.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-wired coated sheets with a non-reflecting layer | 7005 10 05 00 | 0% | None |
| Other absorbent or reflecting coated sheets, up to 3.5 mm | 7005 10 25 00 | 0% | None |
| Other absorbent or reflecting coated sheets, over 3.5 mm up to 4.5 mm | 7005 10 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Other absorbent or reflecting coated sheets, over 4.5 mm | 7005 10 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify conductivity and optical performance together
Specify the coating chemistry, such as indium tin oxide or fluorine-doped tin oxide, and identify the coated face. Agree sheet dimensions, thickness, usable coated area, sheet resistance and permitted variation across the sheet. State optical transmission, haze and colour acceptance criteria with the measurement methods and viewing conditions. Request batch results linked to the sheets supplied.
Tell the factory how the glass will be cut, cleaned, heated or bonded. Agree a trial using your process, including electrical contact to the coating, before accepting a production batch. Ask for handling and storage instructions and identify which protective materials may touch the coated face.
For glass sold for building use, check whether a designated construction-product standard applies and obtain the applicable declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Agree evidence for the intended use through testing and certification; a conductivity report alone does not establish glazing safety.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of crated conductive coated sheets for a small glass processor under 7005 10 25 00, invoiced at £11,000 free on board, with £3,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £14,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £14,200, so it is £2,840. 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
Electrical: measure sheet resistance at agreed positions across sampled sheets, using the agreed method. Compare the variation and batch identity with the purchase specification.
Optical: check transmission and haze against the agreed report, then inspect for scratches, pinholes, streaks and colour differences under consistent lighting.
Dimensions: measure thickness and sheet size, identify the coated face, and check edge chips, cracks, flatness and the usable coating boundary.
Arrival condition: check crate movement, broken sheets, moisture and interleaving marks. Photograph damage before unpacking and keep sheet identities with the inspection record.
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What goes wrong
A clear-looking sheet can still fail electrical acceptance. Check for resistance variation, damaged coating and poor contact with your electrode material. A result from a small sample does not demonstrate uniformity across the supplied sheet; agree measurement positions and acceptance criteria before ordering.
Moisture and rubbing during transport can leave stains or scratches, while inadequate restraint causes broken sheets and chipped edges. Confirm the interleaving material with the coating supplier and trial your cleaning method on an approved sample. Keep arrival damage separate from failures introduced during your own processing.
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 conductive coated float glass from China?
The relevant coated-sheet lines in heading 7005 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Which commodity code covers transparent conductive glass?
Confirm the coating's optical properties, sheet thickness and further processing. The conductive description alone does not identify the line; ask your broker to check the product specification.
How do I check conductive glass before accepting it?
Measure sheet resistance across agreed positions and check transmission, haze, scratches and coating continuity. Match the batch report to the delivered sheets and trial your electrical contacts.
Can I use conductive float glass in building glazing?
Check the intended glazing use, applicable construction-product evidence and safety requirements. Electrical performance alone does not establish suitability for doors or other critical locations.