Sourcing raw steel window sections from China
Unworked steel window sections from China carry listed UK duty rates of 0% to 50%, depending on the manufacturing route and commodity code. Classify the supplied profile, rather than a finished window, and agree its dimensions and material documents before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources unworked steel window sections.
Hot-rolled or cold-formed window profiles
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 7216 covers angles, shapes and sections of iron or non-alloy steel. This guide concerns unworked lengths for window fabrication. The table gives candidate lines, subject to the actual cross-section and manufacturing process. Fabricated steelwork falls under heading 7308, as explained in our steel beams and sections guide.
The supplied snapshot lists 50% third-country duty for the hot-rolled lines shown and 0% for the cold-formed or cold-finished lines. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Our wider guide describes a 0% quota route for hot-rolled sections; ask your broker to confirm availability and eligibility before relying on that rate.
Give your broker the profile drawing, steel composition, production method and details of any further working to confirm the commodity code. The wider guide identifies heading 7216 within the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism from 1 January 2027. Ask the mill for emissions information and review our UK carbon border adjustment guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other hot-rolled profiles fitting within an 80 mm square | 7216 50 10 00 | 50% | None |
| Other hot-rolled window profiles outside the smaller cross-section category | 7216 50 99 00 | 50% | None |
| Cold-formed open sections made from flat-rolled steel | 7216 61 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other cold-formed window profiles made from flat-rolled steel | 7216 61 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Other cold-formed or cold-finished window sections | 7216 69 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the window profile, not just its name
Agree a cross-section drawing showing glazing rebates, contact faces, lips, radii and thicknesses. Identify frame, opening sash and meeting profiles separately, and approve mating samples together. Specify non-alloy steel grade, hot-rolled or cold-formed production, length, straightness, twist, tolerances and surface condition. State whether the order is raw lengths or includes cutting, drilling, welding or coating.
For hot-rolled structural sections, confirm with the relevant authority whether a declaration of performance and UKCA or CE marking are required for the product and intended use, using our wider guide as background. CE marking continues to be recognised for construction products in Great Britain. Keep supply-chain documents available to demonstrate compliance with Russian iron and steel sanctions.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of cold-formed window profiles for a small fabricator under 7216 61 90 00, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,000, so it is £4,000. 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
Profile fit: compare sampled cross-sections with the approved drawing and assemble mating profiles to check rebates, clearances and contact faces.
Dimensions: measure thickness, length, straightness and twist against agreed tolerances, including at the ends of bundled lengths.
Surface and packing: inspect for seams, laps, rust, bent lips and strap damage; check that bundles are dry and profiles are separated and identified.
Documents: match bundle labels and heat numbers to mill certificates, the ordered grade and production route; check agreed performance documents where applicable.
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What goes wrong
A profile can resemble the sample yet have a different rebate depth, lip angle or radius, preventing glazing beads and mating sections from fitting. Thin walls, twist and bent ends can also disrupt fabrication. Approve matched samples and inspect production lengths before loading using an agreed inspection brief.
Descriptions such as steel window material leave the manufacturing route unclear. Hot-rolled and cold-formed profiles can have different duty outcomes, while fabrication changes the classification question. Settle the drawing, supply condition and broker's classification before shipment, and measure delivered bundles before releasing them to fabrication.
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 steel window sections from China?
The supplied snapshot lists 50% for relevant hot-rolled lines and 0% for cold-formed or cold-finished lines. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code and any quota claim with your broker.
Which commodity code covers unworked steel window profiles?
There is no single window-profile line in the supplied heading. Classification depends on cross-section, steel composition, production method and further working. Give your broker the drawing and mill process details.
Do raw steel window sections need CE marking?
Confirm the product's intended use and applicable construction-product route. Our wider guide covers marking and performance declarations for hot-rolled structural sections; do not assume a finished-window document covers raw profiles.
What should I check when steel window sections arrive?
Check profile fit, rebates, thickness, straightness, twist, rust and bent ends. Match bundle identification to the mill documents and keep incompatible or damaged lengths out of fabrication.