Sourcing welded steel T-sections from China

UK duty on welded steel T-sections

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, welded angles, shapes and sections under 7301 20 00 00 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, steel measure, suspension or attached import control.

Heading 7301 covers sheet piling and welded angles, shapes and sections of iron or steel. The table shows finishes within the same welded-section tariff line, rather than separate subheadings. This guide concerns welded T-sections; see welded steel H-sections for the wider heading. Non-welded hot-rolled sections and sections prepared for use in structures need a separate classification check.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, manufacturing method and intended supply condition. Confirm with HMRC or your customs broker whether and when heading 7301 falls within the iron and steel scope of the UK carbon border adjustment mechanism. Ask the supplier for steel emissions data and consult the UK carbon border adjustment guide.

Specify the flange, web and weld

Specify flange width and thickness, web depth and thickness, overall depth, length, steel grade and finish. State how the web is positioned on the flange, the permitted bow and twist, end squareness and any machining allowance. Show the weld arrangement, weld size and acceptance criteria on the approved drawing.

For T-sections supplied as fabricated structural construction components, confirm the applicable standard, execution class, factory production control certification, declaration of performance and conformity marking. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market. Ask for welding procedures, welder qualifications and material certificates matched to the supplied steel.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50 tonnes of uncoated welded steel T-sections under 7301 20 00 00, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £36,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £36,000, so it is £7,200. 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: measure flange and web thickness, web position, overall depth and length against the drawing; check bow, twist and flange squareness before shipment and on arrival.

Welds: check weld size and continuity, visible cracks, undercut and the web-to-flange joint; review the agreed non-destructive testing reports.

Traceability: match heat numbers and bundle markings to material certificates; check that structural documentation describes the supplied product and factory.

Finish and packing: check coating coverage and agreed thickness, especially around welds; inspect supports, restraint and flange edges for handling damage. See quality inspection.

What goes wrong

Welding can pull the web off centre, tilt the flange or leave the section bowed. A section may meet its overall dimensions but still have thin plate or an undersized weld. Paint can conceal surface defects, while certificates can describe a different heat or factory.

Agree inspection points before coating and packing. Keep the approved drawing with the inspection report, photograph bundle identities and record arrival damage before cutting or fabrication. Resolve dimensional or certificate mismatches before the sections enter the buyer's production process.

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.