Sourcing aircraft fuselage sections from China

Zero duty on aircraft fuselage sections

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 8807 covers aircraft parts. Relevant fuselage-section lines carry 0% duty on goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duties or suspensions. The table includes other-aircraft lines potentially relevant to glider sections; confirm the aircraft type and any end-use conditions before choosing a line.

The aircraft-parts lines attach fluorinated greenhouse gas import controls; 8807 30 00 99 also attaches an ozone-depleting-substance restriction on entry into free circulation. Importing ozone-depleting substances requires a licence. Equipment placed on the Great Britain market must comply with fluorinated-gas product bans. For a section with installed systems, give the broker its equipment and gas inventory and confirm the applicable import requirements.

The listed lines also attach a cultural-interest export-licence control. Official guidance states that importing cultural objects into Great Britain has no licensing requirement; ask the broker to confirm the tariff documentation for your shipment. Confirm the commodity code using the aircraft type, intended use, drawings and supplied equipment. The wider aircraft-parts guide covers the rest of the heading.

Specify the section and its aircraft interface

State the aircraft model, part number, drawing revision, section boundaries and whether the supply is a bare shell or an assembly with frames, stringers, doors or installed equipment. Define material grade, heat treatment or composite lay-up, surface protection, joint geometry and acceptance tolerances in the purchase specification.

For certified civil aircraft, confirm with the relevant aviation authority what release paperwork is required before fitting and whether it must come from an approved production or maintenance organisation. Request the release paperwork and material traceability before ordering. Agree how the section will be supported during packing, lifting and storage, with protection for joint faces and projecting fittings.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of small fuselage repair sections; FOB and freight values are hypothetical under 8807 30 00 99, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £15,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £15,800, so it is £3,160. 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

Identity: match the part number, serial or batch identification and drawing revision to the order and release paperwork.

Geometry: check contour, joint faces, hole positions and attachment points against the agreed drawing and inspection fixture.

Materials and workmanship: check material records, coating condition, cracks, dents, corrosion and visible composite damage; compare inspection reports with the supplied section.

Transport condition: check supports, lifting points, moisture protection and contact damage before removing the section from its crate. Use the inspection guide to plan the checks.

What goes wrong

A section can match the outline yet have the wrong drawing revision, joint geometry or attachment pattern. Material records may refer to a different batch, and transport supports can distort a shell or damage its edges. Agree the drawing and measurement method before production, and compare the delivered section with those records.

Confirm with the relevant aviation authority what release documentation is needed for fitting parts to certified civil aircraft, and whether a general factory certificate is sufficient. Quarantine sections with missing or mismatched release paperwork. Describe display or training use clearly in the order, and check installed gas-containing equipment separately with the customs broker.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.