Sourcing antenna feed horns from China

Zero duty on the selected tariff lines

Heading 8529 covers parts suitable solely or principally for apparatus of headings 8524 to 8528, including aerials and their parts. The table lists categories to consider for a horn, separate feed-system parts, accompanying filters or electronic assemblies. These are separate goods categories, not interchangeable codes for a bare feed horn.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code using drawings, function, intended apparatus and the components actually supplied. Identify whether the shipment contains a bare horn, an aerial assembly or electronics. See satellite dish antennas for the wider product family.

Specify the horn and its dish interface

Define the operating frequency band, polarisation, aperture shape, throat dimensions, waveguide interface, flange drilling and mounting position. Agree material, finish and tolerances on the drawing. For a reflector feed, specify the intended dish geometry and illumination pattern. Ask for measured return-loss and radiation-pattern plots for the exact sample, with the test arrangement identified.

State whether the order includes the horn alone, a polariser, a filter or receiver electronics. A finished product placed on the Great Britain market must comply with applicable legislation. General product safety rules cover goods intended or reasonably likely to be used by consumers and require them to be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Have the exact configuration reviewed through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 10 antenna feed horns, illustrative only under 8529 10 69 00, invoiced at £1,800 free on board, with £252 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,052. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,052, so it is £410.40. 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

Fit: check throat and flange dimensions, mounting holes and mating surfaces against the drawing; trial-fit the horn to the intended waveguide and bracket.

Performance: compare sampled return-loss and radiation-pattern measurements across the agreed band with the approved sample; confirm polarisation orientation.

Workmanship: inspect the aperture, internal profile and joints for dents, burrs, loose particles, coating defects and corrosion; check seals where supplied.

Packing: protect the aperture and flange faces from impact and contamination; check cartons for movement and moisture on arrival. Include these checks in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A horn can fit the bracket yet illuminate the dish poorly. An unsuitable radiation pattern, misplaced phase centre or incorrect polarisation orientation can reduce system performance. Approve a sample in the intended dish arrangement before accepting the bulk specification.

Flange distortion, rough internal machining and coating inside the throat can change performance despite an acceptable exterior. Keep the approved drawing and measured sample results together, and compare arrival samples with both rather than relying on the supplier's model name.

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.