Sourcing vehicle snow chains from China

Snow-chain duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 21 October 2026, heading 7315 covers chain and parts of iron or steel. Complete steel vehicle snow chains fall within the skid-chain line, 7315 20 00 00. The table shows different applications of that same commodity line.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control on this line. Import VAT is normally 20%. The absence of tariff controls does not replace product-safety checks.

Confirm the material, construction and whether you are importing complete sets or separate components before choosing your commodity code. For other chain types, see sourcing steel chain.

Specify tyre fit and wheel clearance

Give the factory a tyre-size compatibility list and the intended vehicle applications. Agree chain pattern, link dimensions, steel material, heat treatment, coating, closure design and tensioning system. Ask for drawings showing how far the fitted chain projects inside the wheel and above the tread.

Approve samples on the intended tyre and check clearance against the vehicle manufacturer's guidance. Review fitting, retensioning, removal and storage instructions, including the maker's operating restrictions. Consumer snow chains sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use; treat fit and retention as part of that safety assessment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-size stock order of boxed vehicle snow-chain sets under 7315 20 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,400, so it is £4,680. 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

Fit: trial-fit samples from each ordered size against the approved compatibility list; check inner clearance, closure access and chain position on the tread.

Links and welds: measure against the approved drawing; inspect weld continuity, cracks, sharp edges and coating coverage, and compare material and test records with the ordered batch.

Retention: operate hooks, locks and tensioners repeatedly; check that closures remain engaged and tensioners hold the fitted chain during the agreed test.

Packing and instructions: check matching chains, accessories, size labels and readable fitting instructions; inspect for rust and keep supplier and batch references with receiving records.

What goes wrong

A generic compatibility chart can hide poor fit on the actual tyre. Excess slack lets the chain move across the tread, while bulky inner links or closures can foul nearby components. Weak welds, stiff closures and tensioners that lose grip are defects to look for during sample approval and arrival inspection.

Keep an approved fitted sample and agree how substitutions in links, hooks, coatings or tensioners will be checked. Separate doubtful stock while investigating fit or weld defects. Use a quality inspection brief that records the actual tyre applications and acceptance checks.

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.