Sourcing analogue pool pace clocks from China
Analogue swimming-pool pace clocks from China carry UK duty of 2% to 4%: electrically operated models pay 4% and mechanical models 2%. For mains-powered clocks, confirm applicable electrical safety evidence requirements with the relevant authority; specify poolside exposure and check hand visibility and sweep accuracy. Cambridge China Bridge sources analogue swimming-pool pace clocks.
Duty depends on the movement and mounting
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 9105 covers other clocks. For analogue swimming-pool pace clocks, the relevant lines distinguish wall clocks from other clocks, then electrically operated from mechanical models. Chinese-origin electrically operated models carry 4% duty and mechanical models 2%. Battery quartz movements count as electrically operated.
The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. It attaches CITES import and export controls and a DCMS Export Licence control. If a case contains CITES-listed material, permits may be required for import from China; confirm the material and documents with your customs broker. The DCMS entry concerns export: ask your broker to confirm its relevance before any later export.
Have your broker confirm the commodity code using the movement, mounting arrangement and operating function, rather than the supplier's product name. The table shows candidate lines, not a classification ruling. For the wider heading, see industrial slave clocks.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrically operated wall-mounted pace clocks | 9105 21 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Mechanical wall-mounted pace clocks | 9105 29 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Other electrically operated pace clocks | 9105 91 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Other mechanical pace clocks | 9105 99 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the dial, sweep and poolside exposure
Agree dial diameter, numeral layout, hand colours, hand length and the sweep cycle. State whether swimmers need a continuously running reference or coaches need start, stop and reset controls. Assess a sample from the intended viewing distance under pool lighting, including reflections from the dial cover. Specify wall mounting or a portable stand and the movement's accuracy tolerance.
Describe humidity, splashes, cleaning products and indoor or outdoor use. Agree evidence for the claimed moisture protection and corrosion resistance, including the case, fixings, battery door and cable entry. For mains-powered clocks and mains adaptors, confirm with the relevant authority what electrical safety evidence is needed under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Equipment within scope must have clear, legible instructions in easily understandable English.
For powered designs, assess electromagnetic compatibility requirements where the equipment can generate electromagnetic disturbance. For electrical equipment within RoHS scope, product labels must identify the type, batch or serial number and the manufacturer's name or trademark and address. For electrically operated clocks and supplied batteries, confirm any applicable WEEE and battery producer obligations with the relevant authority. Agree the applicable evidence before production through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50 electrically operated wall-mounted analogue pool pace clocks under 9105 21 00 00, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,500. Duty at 4% is £1,060. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,560, so it is £5,512. Import taxes total £6,572; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,060 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Sweep and controls: compare the running clock with a reference timer across repeated cycles; check smooth movement, hand clearance and any start, stop or reset function against the agreed sample.
Visibility: read the dial from the intended poolside positions; check hand contrast, numeral alignment and glare with the protective cover fitted.
Case and mounting: inspect seals, cable entries, battery doors, exposed fasteners and brackets; check stability or fixing strength and review the agreed moisture and corrosion test evidence.
Documents and packing: match the movement and power supply to the reports and declaration; check instructions and labels, then inspect arriving cartons for crushed corners, cracked covers and displaced hands.
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What goes wrong
A sample can look readable close up but become difficult to read across the pool. Reflections hide pale hands, long hands catch on the cover, and a movement that drives a small dial can stall with a heavier hand. Test the complete clock with the production hand set and cover.
Moisture can enter through a battery door or cable opening even when the front appears sealed. Condensation obscures the dial, exposed fixings corrode, and transit knocks bend hands or loosen brackets. Agree complete-product exposure tests and recheck operation after unpacking through a quality inspection.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on analogue pool pace clocks from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% for electrically operated clocks and 2% for mechanical clocks, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Wall-mounted and other clocks use different commodity lines.
Does a battery-powered analogue pace clock pay the electrical rate?
Yes. A battery quartz movement counts as electrically operated, so the relevant wall-clock or other-clock line carries 4% duty.
How do I check whether swimmers can read the clock?
Test the complete sample from the intended viewing positions under pool lighting. Check hand colours, numeral contrast and reflections with the dial cover fitted.
What should I ask for before ordering a mains-powered pace clock?
Ask for electrical safety evidence matching the clock and adaptor, the declaration of conformity, English instructions, and evidence supporting the claimed poolside moisture protection.