Sourcing unmounted solar mirrors from China

Duty on unmounted solar concentrator mirrors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7009 covers glass mirrors, whether framed or unframed, including vehicle rear-view mirrors. This guide covers unmounted glass reflecting panels and segments for solar concentrators, supplied without a frame or tracking assembly.

Other unframed glass mirrors under 7009 91 00 90 carry 0% duty from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line. The heading's authorised-use suspension concerns a specified vehicle interior mirror, rather than these solar mirrors.

The table shows product variants under the same tariff line. Confirm the commodity code against the glass construction and condition as imported, particularly if supports or tracking equipment are included. See the unframed glass mirror sheets guide for the wider product family.

Specify optical shape and outdoor durability

Give the factory the concentrator drawing and identify whether each mirror is a flat facet or a curved segment. Agree dimensions, thickness, curvature, focal geometry, edge finish and attachment interfaces. Specify the permitted shape deviation and how it will be measured with the mirror supported as intended.

Agree solar reflectance, the wavelength range, incidence angle and measurement method. Ask for evidence of the light reflected into the intended receiver area, rather than judging performance by brightness alone. Specify the reflective coating, protective backing, edge sealing and exposure tests suited to the installation.

HSE guidance says workplace supply obligations include safe-use information and instructions, including revisions, and testing or examination necessary for compliance. Obtain handling, installation and cleaning information. Ask the system designer to assess concentrated sunlight, glare, hot surfaces and breakage during installation and operation.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 120 unmounted flat glass solar concentrator mirror facets under 7009 91 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,200, so it is £1,040. 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: compare dimensions, thickness, curvature and edge finish with the drawing; check the optical shape using the agreed support arrangement and measurement method.

Reflection and coating: compare batch measurements with the approved sample; inspect scratches, pinholes, backing adhesion and edge sealing.

Handling and identification: check chips and cracks, protective covers, batch identification and the supplied handling, installation and cleaning information.

Packing: check face separation, edge support and restraint against movement. Solid wood packaging used to import into Great Britain must meet ISPM15 international standards; include that requirement in the packing brief.

What goes wrong

A mirror can look bright while spreading reflected light beyond the receiver. Incorrect curvature, waviness or distortion caused by attachment can reduce useful concentration. Approve the optical measurement method and assess a sample in the intended support arrangement before accepting production.

Damaged edge seals and scratched backing can expose the reflective layer to deterioration. Packing that allows panels to touch or move can cause scratches and chipped edges. Compare production and packing with the approved samples during quality inspection, and photograph arrival damage before unpacking further.

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.