Sourcing alcohol breath analysers from China
Alcohol breath analysers from China under heading 9027 carry 0% UK duty across the supplied tariff lines, with no anti-dumping duty. For electronic models, importers must check conformity assessment and provide their identification; police-use type approval is a separate issue. Cambridge China Bridge sources alcohol breath analysers.
Alcohol breath analyser duty under heading 9027
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, the supplied lines under heading 9027 carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions listed. The heading covers physical and chemical analysis instruments, including gas analysis apparatus.
Electronic gas analysis apparatus is listed under 9027 10 10 00. The table also shows neighbouring instrument and accessory lines for classification checks; these are not interchangeable codes for a complete breath analyser. No import controls are attached to these selected lines in the supplied data. The separate residual line 9027 89 90 00 has an export control of mercury attached; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance if that line is proposed.
Confirm the commodity code using the operating principle, intended use and whether you are importing a complete instrument or dedicated parts. Our flue gas analyser guide covers another product family within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic gas analysis apparatus | 9027 10 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other gas analysis apparatus | 9027 10 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Other optical analysis apparatus, subject to classification | 9027 50 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Analysis instrument parts and accessories | 9027 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the sensor, sampling and calibration
Specify fuel-cell, semiconductor or infrared sensing, active blowing or passive sampling, displayed measurement units, sampling prompts and invalid-sample handling. Agree the measuring range, accuracy acceptance criteria, calibration method, recalibration arrangements, mouthpiece design and replacement sensor availability before approving the sample.
For electronic models within electromagnetic compatibility rules, importers must check the manufacturer's conformity assessment and include their name and postal address on the apparatus, or where this is not possible, its packaging or accompanying documentation. Relevant instructions must be in English. For hazardous-substance controls, obtain the model's declaration of conformity, conformity assessment record and supporting production-control evidence.
For police use in Great Britain, Home Office guidance describes technical requirements for type approval. Ask for approval evidence matching the proposed model and configuration rather than accepting a supplier's description of it as police grade. Use testing and certification to organise the evidence review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of electronic alcohol breath analysers for a business reseller under 9027 10 10 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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 model, sensor specification, software identification and supplied documents to the approved sample.
Measurement: compare samples against an agreed alcohol reference using the agreed procedure; check repeatability, invalid-sample prompts and recovery between tests.
Mouthpieces: check fit, individual packaging, airflow and replacement compatibility; inspect the sampling inlet for damage.
Arrival: check English instructions, importer identification, calibration records, batteries, charging connections and transit damage. Record findings through quality inspection.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A display can look convincing while the measurement units, sensor or calibration procedure differ from the approved sample. Treat unexplained sensor substitutions, missing calibration records and inconsistent reference-test results as reasons to investigate before accepting the batch.
A supplier's police-use claim can also outrun the supporting approval evidence. Match the intended sales claim to the documents before printing packaging, and agree who handles recalibration, sensor replacement and failed units.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on alcohol breath analysers from China?
The supplied heading 9027 lines carry 0% duty for China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures or suspensions listed. Confirm the complete analyser's commodity code before shipment.
Does a breath analyser need police approval?
For police use in Great Britain, Home Office guidance sets out technical requirements for type approval. Check approval evidence for the exact model and configuration before making police-use claims.
What should I ask the Chinese factory for?
Ask for the sensor specification, displayed units, calibration procedure and records, model-specific conformity documents, English instructions and replacement mouthpiece and sensor details.
How do I check breath analysers on arrival?
Match the batch to the approved sample, inspect mouthpieces and charging connections, and compare sampled instruments against the agreed alcohol reference. Record inconsistent readings and missing calibration evidence.