Sourcing Alnico permanent magnets from China
Alnico permanent magnets from China carry 0% UK import duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded for the relevant metal-magnet line. Products containing magnets must include clear warnings where there is a risk of ingestion. Specify alloy grade, geometry and magnetisation before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources Alnico permanent magnets.
Zero duty on Alnico permanent magnets
Heading 8505 covers permanent magnets and articles intended to become permanent magnets after magnetisation, alongside electromagnetic devices and parts. Alnico permanent magnets belong in the other-metal permanent-magnet branch. The table shows different Alnico shapes under the same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, code 8505 11 90 99 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Confirm the alloy composition and whether the shipment contains loose magnets or complete holding devices before selecting the commodity code. For the wider heading, see neodymium and ferrite magnets.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alnico permanent bar magnets | 8505 11 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify the Alnico alloy and magnetic circuit
Write aluminium-nickel-cobalt alloy grade, cast or sintered construction, dimensions, tolerances and surface finish into the purchase specification. State whether the parts arrive magnetised, the pole arrangement and magnetisation direction. Ask for the grade's demagnetisation curve and agree how magnetic performance will be measured in the intended assembly.
For horseshoe magnets, specify the pole gap and any keeper supplied across the poles. For rods and rings, identify the working faces and mounting arrangement. Agree maximum working temperature and magnetic acceptance criteria with the factory. Products containing magnets must include clear warnings where there is a risk of ingestion; warnings should be planned with the intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of Alnico bar magnets under 8505 11 90 99, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,500, so it is £900. 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
Material: match the alloy declaration and batch identification to the ordered Alnico grade and approved sample.
Geometry: measure rod diameter, ring bore, horseshoe pole gap and working faces against the drawing; inspect for cracks, chips and damaged edges.
Magnetic performance: check polarity and magnetisation direction, then measure flux or pull force using the agreed fixture and compare with the approved sample.
Packing: check separators, any specified keepers and carton identification; inspect arrival damage and verify agreed ingestion warnings. Use an inspection brief that identifies the test fixture.
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What goes wrong
An Alnico grade name alone leaves the buyer without a reproducible acceptance test. Different shapes, pole gaps and test fixtures can produce different pull-force results. A magnet may fit the drawing yet have the wrong pole arrangement. Agree the assembled test condition and retain an approved sample before releasing production.
Cracked magnets, chipped working faces and missing keepers can turn an acceptable factory sample into a disputed delivery. Record the packing arrangement and compare magnetic performance before dispatch and on arrival. For air shipments, ask the forwarder about a magnetic-field test and suitable shielding.
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 Alnico magnets from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty under 8505 11 90 99, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the goods are other-metal permanent magnets.
What should I specify when ordering Alnico magnets?
Specify alloy grade, cast or sintered construction, geometry, tolerances, magnetisation direction, pole arrangement and an agreed magnetic test in the intended assembly.
Do Alnico magnets need ingestion warnings?
Consider whether loose magnets or detachable parts could be swallowed.
Can Alnico magnets be shipped by air?
Magnetised goods need care by air. Ask the forwarder whether the packed shipment needs a magnetic-field test or shielding, and agree packing before dispatch.