How to export Steam turbines from the UK to China
Match your turbine's specification to the Chinese tariff line and assess UK dual-use controls before quoting. Duty and import VAT shape the buyer's landed cost. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Choose the import route for your turbine
Steam and gas turbines need classification by propulsion use, output and whether the shipment contains a complete machine or parts. These codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, so plan the shipment with a commercial importer. The largest UK export line was 84119900, parts of gas turbines, n.e.s., at £25.7m in 2025.
UK exports under HS 8406-8411 (7 subheadings): HMRC recorded £51.0m of UK goods exports to mainland China under 7 HS6 subheadings in 2025 (2024: £45.8m, +11.3%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £3.7m.
January to July 2026: £44.1m against £16.4m in the same months of 2025 (+168.5%). These UK exports under HS 8406-8411 (7 subheadings) provide market context; they are not orders for your particular turbine.
Price against the Chinese tariff line
The listed Chinese tariff lines have the MFN rates below. HS 840681 splits into Chinese lines with different rates, while turbine parts use separate lines from complete machines. Have the importer's customs broker confirm the Chinese line against your specification before you settle the quotation.
Import VAT generally uses the 13% rate, subject to the VAT Law's reduced-rate and special provisions. Its base is the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's customs broker or adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to the turbine. Border taxes add to landed cost and therefore shape the price the importer can offer.
| Chinese tariff line | Rate |
|---|---|
| 84061000 | 5% |
| 84068110 | 5% |
| 84068120 | 5% |
| 84068130 | 6% |
| 84068200 | 5% |
| 84069000 | 2% |
| 84118100 | 15% |
| 84118200 | 3% |
| 84119910 | 5% |
| 84119990 | 5% |
Assess export controls before quoting
The UK dual-use control list includes aerospace and propulsion in category 9. Whether your turbine is controlled depends on its technical specification. Classify it against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists before quoting, and check the applicable licence requirements. Give the assessment the actual specification of the machine or parts being supplied; a customs code alone does not resolve the technical classification.
Prepare the UK export declaration
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, you need a GB EORI number and the correct commodity code. The online export declaration needs the value, weight and packaging, destination and transport details, and invoice and packing list references. Agree who will make the declaration for the turbine shipment and provide those details.
The carrier needs the invoice and any export licences or certificates. Keep the invoice description and shipment details consistent with the turbine specification used for classification and the export-control assessment, so the declarant and carrier can work from the same product information.
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Check the Chinese importer before committing
Ask the prospective importer to agree the Chinese tariff line and its landed-cost calculation for your turbine before negotiating the supply price. Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.
Where registration or label work is required, we prepare it with licensed partners in China. The importer of record stays with licensed partners in China, and the brand's own filings stay the brand's. Discuss importer checks through our export-to-China service.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an export licence for a steam turbine?
Assess the actual specification against the UK Strategic Export Control Lists. Category 9 covers aerospace and propulsion; whether your turbine is controlled depends on its specification.
What duty applies to steam turbine parts in China?
Chinese tariff line 84069000 has a 2% MFN rate. Confirm that line for the parts being supplied; duty and import VAT both affect the importer's landed cost.
Can I send turbines through cross-border retail e-commerce?
The listed turbine codes are absent from the cross-border e-commerce retail import list. Plan the shipment with a commercial importer and agree the Chinese tariff classification.
Can you check a Chinese importer who has contacted us?
Yes. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed.