Sourcing zirconia refractory bricks from China

Zero duty, with classification by composition

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 6902 covers refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods, excluding those made from siliceous fossil meals or similar earths. The supplied lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions.

The tariff attaches an import waste control. For material from China subject to waste notification controls entering England, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable waste requirements, especially for spent or reclaimed bricks. The supplied record also lists waste export controls and a DCMS export licence measure; flag these when planning an onward export.

Treat the table as composition-dependent alternatives, not interchangeable codes for every zirconia brick. Compare the complete analysis with each description and confirm the commodity code. For other materials within this heading, see the refractory bricks and blocks guide.

Specify zirconia content and furnace conditions

State whether you need a zirconia-rich brick or a zirconia-containing composite. Specify zirconia, alumina and silica content, stabilising additions, manufacturing method, shape, dimensions and tolerances. Ask the factory to identify the exact grade against your drawing rather than quote a generic zirconia brick.

Describe the furnace atmosphere, contacting material, operating temperature and heating cycles. Agree acceptance values and test methods for bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, refractoriness under load and permanent dimensional change on heating. Request batch results and installation instructions, including the proposed heat-up procedure.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative palletised order of zirconia refractory bricks under 6902 90 00 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,000, so it is £3,400. 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

Composition: compare the batch chemical analysis with the agreed zirconia content, other oxides and stabilising additions; retain a sample for independent checking.

Dimensions: measure sampled bricks against the drawing, including mating faces, angles and warpage; check that the intended joint arrangement fits.

Body and performance: inspect for cracks, chipped edges and surface defects; match density, porosity and strength reports to the delivered batch.

Packing and identity: check cushioning, corner protection, pallet stability and dryness; match pallet labels and grade markings to the packing list.

What goes wrong

A supplier's zirconia grade name can conceal a different composite formulation. Treat unexplained changes in composition, stabilising additions or manufacturing method as reasons to repeat the agreed checks. Oversized bricks, warped faces and chipped corners can prevent the lining from matching the joint design.

Poor thermal shock resistance can cause spalling during heating cycles, while dimensional change can open joints. Trial the agreed grade under your service conditions before ordering replacement lining stock. For silica-containing grades, plan dust control during cutting and grinding, as explained in the wider refractory guide. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.

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.