How to export semiconductor tools from the UK to China
Classify your semiconductor tools, assess UK dual-use controls and agree the Chinese tariff line with the importer before quoting. The listed Chinese lines carry 0% MFN duty, while import VAT affects landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Agree the import route before quoting
Semiconductor manufacturing equipment under HS 848610, 848620, 848630, 848640 and 848690 is absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Plan the shipment with a Chinese importer and its customs broker. UK exports to China under HS 848620 included £98.3m under 84862000 in 2025, the largest export line among these codes.
HMRC recorded £117.2m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 848610, 848620, 848630, 848640, 848690 in 2025 (2024: £164.5m, -28.7%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £1.9m. January to July 2026: £41.1m against £84.9m in the same months of 2025 (-51.6%).
Use the Chinese tariff line to build your quote
The listed Chinese tariff lines all carry 0% MFN duty. Match the exact tool or part to its Chinese tariff line with the importer. Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to the reduced-rate list and special rules. It is calculated on customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax; the importer's customs broker confirms whether consumption tax applies. Border taxes shape landed cost and the price the importer can offer.
| HS6 | Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 848610 | 84861010, 84861020, 84861030, 84861040, 84861090 | 0% |
| 848620 | 84862010, 84862021, 84862022, 84862029, 84862031, 84862039, 84862041, 84862049, 84862050, 84862090 | 0% |
| 848630 | 84863010, 84863021, 84863022, 84863029, 84863031, 84863039, 84863041, 84863049, 84863090 | 0% |
| 848640 | 84864010, 84864021, 84864022, 84864029, 84864031, 84864039 | 0% |
| 848690 | 84869010, 84869020, 84869091, 84869099 | 0% |
Assess the tool's technical specification for export controls
The UK dual-use control list includes electronics in category 3. Whether your tool is controlled depends on its technical specification, so classify it against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists before quoting. Export and trade licence applications for mainland China are assessed case by case against the UK Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. Give the person assessing the tool its specification and the proposed customer's intended use.
Prepare the UK export declaration
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, you need a GB EORI and the correct commodity code. The online export declaration needs the tool's value, weight and packaging, destination and transport details, plus invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any export licences or certificates. Agree who will make the declaration and keep the technical description consistent with the classification used for the tools. For related equipment, see exporting machine tools to China.
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Find an importer who can assess the equipment
Ask a prospective importer to identify the intended user, explain the tool's proposed application and have its customs broker confirm the Chinese tariff line and shipment requirements. Compare those details with the specification used for your export-control assessment. Resolve any difference before agreeing the sale, so your quote and shipment concern the same equipment and use.
Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. We check with licensed partners in China; the importer of record stays with those partners, and the brand's own filings stay the brand's. See our export-to-China service.
Frequently asked questions
Do semiconductor tools need a UK export licence for China?
It depends on the tool's technical specification. Assess it against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists before quoting; mainland China licence applications are assessed case by case.
What Chinese duty applies to semiconductor tools?
The listed Chinese tariff lines under HS 848610, 848620, 848630, 848640 and 848690 carry 0% MFN duty. Agree the exact Chinese line with the importer before using that rate in a quote.
Does zero duty mean there is no import VAT?
No. Import VAT is generally 13%, subject to reduced-rate and special rules. Its base includes customs value, duty and consumption tax; the importer's adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the tools.
Can these tools use China's cross-border retail import route?
These HS lines are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Arrange the equipment shipment with a Chinese importer.