Sourcing arcade machines from China
Arcade machines and the selected parts from China carry 0% UK duty across the lines below. For equipment within the electrical safety rules, importers must ensure easily understandable English instructions accompany it. Specify the payment system, cabinet and game software before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources arcade machines.
UK duty on arcade machines
Heading 9504 covers video game machines and payment-operated amusement games alongside other table and parlour games. For arcade buyers, distinguish payment-operated machines with screens, other payment-operated games, their parts and video game machines outside that payment-operated subheading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, the selected arcade lines carried 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or import controls for these lines. It does attach a DCMS Export Licence control; confirm any requirement with your customs broker if subsequently exporting the machines.
Confirm the commodity code using the machine's actual functions, payment method and whether the shipment contains complete machines or parts. The toys and games guide covers the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment-operated arcade games with a screen | 9504 30 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other payment-operated arcade games | 9504 30 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts for payment-operated arcade games | 9504 30 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Video game machines outside the payment-operated subheading | 9504 50 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the cabinet, payment system and software
Write down cabinet dimensions, access-door position, screen type, controls, speakers, power supply, ventilation and service access. Name the coin, token or card interface and agree how credits, rejected payments and interrupted games behave. Approve the game list, menu language and recovery procedure on the sample machine.
For equipment within the electrical safety rules in Great Britain, the importer must ensure that easily understandable English instructions accompany it. Ask for model-specific electrical test records and installation instructions. Where electromagnetic compatibility rules apply, importers must not make equipment available if they consider or have reason to believe it fails the essential requirements. Arrange testing and certification around the finished cabinet.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A small batch of screen-based arcade cabinets, illustrative only under 9504 30 10 00, invoiced at £14,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £15,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £15,000, so it is £3,000. 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
Gameplay: run the agreed games and check every button, joystick, steering control and pedal against the approved sample.
Payments: test accepted and rejected coins or tokens, card-interface operation, credit accounting and recovery after a power interruption.
Cabinet and electrics: check stability, door locks, sharp edges, cable routing, ventilation and the model identity against the electrical test records.
Arrival and service: inspect screen damage and cabinet corners, recount accessories, confirm keys and spare controls, and test the delivered machines before accepting the batch.
What goes wrong
A working demonstration can conceal substituted controls, a different screen or a payment interface that does not match the buyer's system. Freeze the component list and software version in the order, retain the approved sample and require approval before substitutions.
Loose screen mounts, unprotected cabinet corners and missing service instructions create problems after delivery. Photograph packing, secure internal assemblies and agree who supplies replacement controls, payment modules and software recovery files. Use the inspection guide to define the checks before shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on arcade machines from China?
The selected arcade-machine and parts lines carry 0% duty on goods from China in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duties are listed.
Which commodity code covers coin-operated video arcade machines?
9504 30 10 00 covers payment-operated games with a screen. Confirm the machine's actual functions and payment arrangement before declaring it.
Do imported arcade machines need English instructions?
For equipment within the electrical safety rules in Great Britain, importers must ensure that easily understandable English instructions accompany it.
What should I check before shipping arcade cabinets?
Test gameplay, controls, payments and power-interruption recovery. Compare the screen and components with the approved sample, then inspect internal securing and cabinet packing.