Sourcing triple glazing from China
Triple-glazed insulating glass units from China pay 0% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no listed trade remedies. Confirm with the relevant authority the declaration of performance and marking requirements for these construction products. Specify each pane, cavity and edge seal before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources triple-glazed insulating glass units.
UK duty on triple-glazed units
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, heading 7008 covers multiple-walled insulating units of glass. Triple-glazed sealed units fall within this family. The supplied tariff facts contain only the relevant coated or tinted line and the other-units line for this guide; the separate line expressly describing two panels does not describe triple glazing.
Both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Coated or tinted units may fall under 7008 00 20 00; other triple-glazed units fall under 7008 00 89 00. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual pane treatment and sealed-unit construction. Complete framed windows need separate classification. See the wider insulating glass guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple-glazed units with tinted, opacified, flashed or coated glass | 7008 00 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Other triple-glazed insulating glass units | 7008 00 89 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the panes, cavities and performance
Send a cutting list identifying each unit and its installation position. Specify each pane’s thickness, glass type, safety treatment and coating face. Record each cavity’s width and gas fill, spacer type and colour, overall thickness, dimensional tolerances and edge seal system. Agree the centre-pane thermal performance and the labels needed by the window fabricator.
Confirm with the relevant authority the declaration of performance and marking requirements for the insulating glass units being ordered. Ask for the declaration, relevant type-test reports and production-control evidence for the construction being ordered. CE marking continues to be available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Match safety glazing to the installation position.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 1,200 triple-glazed insulating glass units, illustrative only under 7008 00 89 00, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £42,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £42,000, so it is £8,400. 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 and fit: measure sampled units against the cutting list, including overall thickness and cavity widths; check that the receiving frames accept the specified construction.
Pane arrangement: check glass types, coating faces, spacer details and safety-pane markings against the approved drawing and accompanying product evidence.
Edge seals: check seal continuity and visible voids; compare the spacer and sealants with the seal-system test reports. Visual inspection cannot establish long-term seal durability.
Arrival and packing: inspect for cracks, chipped edges, scratches, internal contamination and misting. Check that units travelled upright with separators, corner protection and braced crates. Record damage before moving the units.
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What goes wrong
A unit can match the outer dimensions yet have the wrong pane arrangement, cavity widths or coating faces. It may then differ from the agreed thermal performance or fail to fit the glazing system. Weak edge seals allow moisture between panes, while poorly supported packing causes edge damage and breakage.
Approve the pane-by-pane drawing and seal-system evidence before production. Inspect samples against the cutting list and check packing before loading. Use the inspection guide to agree checks and records with the factory.
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 triple-glazed units from China?
The relevant heading 7008 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China in the supplied tariff facts. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed. Import VAT is separate.
Do triple-glazed units need CE marking?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the units need construction product marking and a declaration of performance. CE marking remains available for the Great Britain market. Check that the evidence covers the actual unit construction.
What should I specify when ordering triple glazing?
Specify each pane, coating face, cavity width, gas fill, spacer, edge seal, overall thickness and size tolerance. Send a cutting list and agree thermal performance.
How do I check triple-glazed units on arrival?
Compare dimensions and pane arrangement with the approved drawing. Inspect edges, seals and glass surfaces, check for internal misting, and photograph damaged units and packing.