Sourcing vitrified mounted points from China

UK duty on vitrified mounted grinding points

Heading 6804 covers grinding wheels and similar grinding, sharpening and polishing products. For mounted points made from artificial abrasives with a ceramic or silicate binder, the relevant line is 6804 22 30 00. The table shows different head shapes within that same tariff line. See the wider grinding and cutting wheels guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, this line carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For a consignment from China classified as waste under notification controls and imported into England, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in China for consent. Confirm the applicable waste requirements with your customs broker.

Give your broker the abrasive composition, binder description, head drawing and shank details to confirm the commodity code. Do not classify solely from the supplier's description of a grinding stone.

Specify the head, bond and shank together

Specify the abrasive material and grit, vitrified bond grade, head shape, head diameter and length, shank diameter and length, and permitted runout. Identify the workpiece material, grinding task and target grinder collet. Approve a drawing and working sample rather than relying on colour to identify the grade.

Ask for maximum operating speed information tied to the head geometry, shank and intended overhang from the collet. HSE guidance says a wheel should be mounted only on the machine for which it was intended. Request batch strength-test evidence, mounting instructions and protective packing that keeps heads and shanks from striking each other.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5,000 vitrified mounted grinding points under 6804 22 30 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £150 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,650. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,650, so it is £530. 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: check head dimensions, profile and shank diameter against the approved drawing, and measure runout.

Condition: check for cracked or chipped heads, bent shanks and loose head-to-shank attachment after unpacking.

Information: check maximum operating speed, mounting restrictions and batch identification against the supplier's documents.

Performance: compare grinding rate, finish and wear with the approved sample on the intended workpiece using the agreed mounting.

What goes wrong

A shank that fits loosely in the collet, a bent shank or an eccentric head can produce vibration and an uneven finish. A changed abrasive or bond grade can make a point glaze, cut slowly or wear faster than the sample. Heads can arrive chipped when loose pieces collide inside a carton.

Quarantine damaged points and investigate batch differences before releasing stock. Keep the approved sample, drawing and test records linked to the batch. Use the quality inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.

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.