How to export valves and taps from the UK to China
Start by matching each valve or tap to its Chinese tariff line and confirming entry requirements with the importer. Duty and import VAT affect the price they can offer; the cross-border retail list covers only selected lines. Cambridge China Bridge’s own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands.
Match the product and the import route
Valves and taps span HS 848110, 848120, 848130, 848140, 848180 and 848190. Separate pressure-reducing, hydraulic or pneumatic, non-return and safety valves from other fittings and parts before pricing. Have the importer confirm product-specific entry requirements with the relevant Chinese authority before agreeing shipment. The cross-border retail list covers only selected Chinese tariff lines. If your shipment also includes boilers, see our guide to exporting boilers to China.
HMRC recorded £138.6m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 848110, 848120, 848130, 848140, 848180, 848190 in 2025 (2024: £150.1m, -7.7%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £38.3m. January to July 2026: £90.1m against £75.6m in the same months of 2025 (+19.2%).
The largest listed UK export line was valves for the control of oleohydraulic power transmission: UK exports to mainland China under HS 84812010 were £20.5m in 2025. Use this as context for hydraulic equipment sales, then assess demand for your own models with prospective importers.
Price against the Chinese tariff line
The listed Chinese tariff lines have the most-favoured-nation rates below. Parts need particular attention: 84819010 has an 8% MFN rate and a provisional 2026 rate of 4%, while 84819090 has an 8% MFN rate. Ask the importer's customs broker to confirm the Chinese classification and applicable rate before you settle the quotation. For gaskets supplied alongside valves, see our guide to exporting gaskets to China.
The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its reduced-rate list and special rules. Import VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax as its base. The importer's adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies to your product. Border taxes add to landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.
| Chinese tariff line | MFN rate |
|---|---|
| 84811000 | 5% |
| 84812010 | 5% |
| 84812020 | 5% |
| 84813000 | 5% |
| 84814000 | 5% |
| 84818021 | 7% |
| 84818029 | 7% |
| 84818031 | 7% |
| 84818039 | 7% |
| 84818040 | 7% |
| 84818090 | 5% |
| 84819010 | 8% |
| 84819090 | 8% |
Prepare the UK export declaration
For exports from England, Scotland or Wales, you need a GB EORI and the correct UK commodity code. The online export declaration needs value, weight, packaging, destination, transport and invoice and packing list references. Give the carrier the invoice and any applicable export licences or certificates. Keep model descriptions consistent across these records so the importer can match each item to its Chinese tariff line.
Use cross-border retail only for eligible lines
The cross-border e-commerce retail import list includes 84818040 for other valves, 84818090 for other taps, cocks and similar appliances, and 84819090 for their parts. This is partial coverage: do not extend it to every valve or spare part in your catalogue.
Eligible retail imports through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements, except for suspended epidemic-area goods or emergency risk handling. The overseas business carries product quality and safety responsibility and must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability.
Before ordering, consumers must accept a notice explaining possible differences from Chinese standards and possible absence of Chinese labels, with Chinese electronic labels available online. Goods are for personal use and may not be resold. The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person; this route therefore cannot supply a distributor's resale stock.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
Find and check a Chinese trading partner
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. For your valves, establish which models the prospective partner wants and how it intends to import them.
Through our export-to-China service, we prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. The importer of record and any required cross-border e-commerce agent remain licensed partner roles in China; the brand's own filings stay the brand's. We check requirements with licensed partners.
Frequently asked questions
What Chinese duty applies to valve parts?
84819010 has an 8% MFN rate and a provisional 2026 rate of 4%. 84819090 has an 8% MFN rate. Have the importer settle the parts classification before pricing.
How is import VAT calculated for valves?
The standard import VAT rate is 13%, subject to exceptions. Its base is customs value plus customs duty plus consumption tax. The importer's adviser confirms whether consumption tax applies.
Do I need a GB EORI to export taps?
Yes, for exports from England, Scotland or Wales. You also need the correct UK commodity code and an export declaration with shipment details and invoice and packing list references.
Can cross-border retail supply my Chinese distributor?
Goods imported through this retail route are for personal use and may not be resold. Its listed lines are 84818040, 84818090 and 84819090; coverage does not extend to every valve.