How to export medical scanners from the UK to China

Secure the device's filing or registration before import

Medical imaging equipment must already be filed or registered before import into China: class I devices require filing, while class II and III require registration. Confirm the applicant and its responsibilities with the Chinese authority or licensed partners. For class I, the overseas filer designates a mainland legal-person company to submit the filing and home-country permission-to-market evidence. The Chinese authority decides; plan for months, not weeks.

HMRC recorded £11.9m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 901812, 901813, 902212, 902214 in 2025 (2024: £9.7m, +21.6%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £393k. January to July 2026: £4.6m against £8.3m in the same months of 2025 (-45.1%).

The largest UK export line was magnetic resonance imaging apparatus under HS 90181300, at £7.3m in 2025. These devices are not on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list.

Price against the Chinese tariff line and import VAT

The Chinese lines below have an MFN rate of 0%. Import VAT is normally 13%, subject to statutory exceptions, calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to these devices. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Prepare Chinese instructions and labels

Imported devices must have Chinese instructions and Chinese labels; devices without them may not be imported. The instructions must state the origin and the name, address and contact details of the mainland legal entity designated by the overseas registrant or filer. Prepare the Chinese artwork and instructions alongside the manufacturer's application so the designated entity's details can be checked before shipment.

Arrange classification, export declaration and certificates

Classify the scanner before exporting. The relevant HS6 headings are 901812 for ultrasonic scanning apparatus, 901813 for magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, 902212 for computer tomography apparatus and 902214 for medical, surgical or veterinary X-ray apparatus. Exports from England, Scotland or Wales need a GB EORI and an online export declaration, including the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references.

Check the medical-device export requirements for the specific model. An MHRA Certificate of Free Sale may be needed, but MHRA does not verify compliance with China's rules. Give the carrier the invoice and any required export licences or certificates; a Certificate of Free Sale does not replace Chinese filing or registration.

Find and check the Chinese importer before committing

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached your brand, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.

For these devices, our help is limited to preparation, finding and checking a Chinese importer, and coordinating licensed partners. We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and other regulated roles remain with licensed partners in China; the brand's own filings remain the brand's.

Use our export-to-China service for importer checks and preparation with licensed partners. Keep the manufacturer's application responsibilities clear when agreeing the work.