Sourcing air-operated diaphragm pumps from China
The relevant tariff lines for air-operated diaphragm pumps and dedicated pump parts carry 0% UK duty from China. Complete pumps supplied in Great Britain need machinery conformity documents and CE or UKCA marking. Specify the liquid, wetted materials and available air supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources air-operated diaphragm pumps.
Duty and classification for diaphragm pumps
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, the selected lines under heading 8413 carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. The heading covers pumps for liquids and liquid elevators; this guide concerns air-operated diaphragm pumps and their dedicated parts.
Ordinary diaphragm transfer pumps are candidates for 8413 50 80 90. Dosing or proportioning models and pumps fitted or designed for a measuring device have separate candidate lines. The parts line is for qualifying pump parts, not automatically every separately supplied diaphragm or seal. Confirm the commodity code against the actual construction and function.
The table identifies alternative classifications and parts, rather than interchangeable codes for the same pump. For the wider liquid-pump heading, see peristaltic dosing pumps. Import VAT is separate from duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-operated diaphragm transfer pumps, other reciprocating pumps | 8413 50 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Air-operated diaphragm dosing and proportioning pumps | 8413 50 40 90 | 0% | None |
| Diaphragm pumps fitted or designed to be fitted with a measuring device | 8413 19 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Dedicated diaphragm pump parts, other | 8413 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the liquid and compressed-air supply
Give the factory the liquid composition, viscosity, temperature, solids content and required flow against discharge pressure. Specify every wetted material, including the body, diaphragms, valve balls, seats and seals. Agree connection threads or flanges, mounting position, suction conditions and cleaning method. Ask for the performance curve and air consumption at your operating point.
For complete pumps supplied in Great Britain, check the machinery technical file arrangements, declaration of conformity, CE or UKCA marking and English instructions. Machinery must be safe before supply or use. Match the declaration and manual to the delivered model, including the air valve and wetted configuration.
For potentially explosive atmospheres, check whether the equipment falls within the separate explosive-atmosphere equipment regulations. Specify the intended atmosphere and ask for model-specific suitability evidence before ordering. An air drive alone is insufficient evidence of suitability.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 compact air-operated diaphragm transfer pumps under 8413 50 80 90, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,200, so it is £1,840. 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
Materials: compare body markings and component records with the agreed wetted-material schedule; inspect diaphragms, balls and seats for damage and substitutions.
Performance: test sampled pumps at the agreed air supply and discharge conditions; record flow, air consumption, priming behaviour and restart after stopping.
Leakage and assembly: check liquid joints, diaphragm clamping, air leakage, exhaust condition and connection dimensions; repeat checks on arrival for transport damage.
Documents and spares: match model identification to the declaration and English manual; verify diaphragm kits, valve balls, seats and air-valve parts against the supplied pump. Agree these checks through quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A pump selected from its unrestricted flow figure can deliver too little against the buyer's discharge pressure. An undersized air supply can cause slow cycling or unreliable restarting. Wrong diaphragm or seal materials can swell, crack or leak when exposed to the process liquid.
Valve balls and seats can trap solids or lose suction, while damaged diaphragms can allow liquid into the exhaust. Generic documents and spare kits can refer to a different configuration. Agree acceptance tests and component identities before production, then compare the arriving pumps with the approved sample.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on air-operated diaphragm pumps from China?
The selected pump and dedicated-parts lines carry 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure in the supplied tariff data. Confirm the classification for the actual model.
Which commodity code covers an air-operated diaphragm pump?
8413 50 80 90 is a candidate for ordinary transfer pumps. Dosing, proportioning and measuring-device models have separate candidate lines. Classify from the construction and function.
Does a pneumatic pump need CE or UKCA marking?
For complete pumps supplied in Great Britain, confirm the applicable machinery conformity documents and CE or UKCA marking requirements with the relevant authority. Ask for the declaration for the delivered configuration and English instructions.
What should I send the Chinese pump factory?
Send the liquid composition, temperature, viscosity, solids, required flow and discharge pressure, available air supply, wetted materials and connection details. Request a test at your operating point.