Sourcing automotive bumpers from China

UK import duty on automotive bumpers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8708 includes bumpers and their parts. Replacement bumpers under 8708 10 90 90 carry 4% duty from China. The table repeats this code for different bumper products; these are not separate tariff lines. See the automotive aftermarket parts guide for the wider heading. For steering wheels, see our automotive steering wheel sourcing guide.

The specialised manufacturing cover under 8708 10 10 10 carries 2%, with a 0.00 % suspension subject to authorised-use customs supervision and the stated product conditions. Neither supplied bumper line lists anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Authorised-use relief concerns specific purposes; ask your broker to confirm eligibility before claiming it.

Both codes attach a restriction concerning ozone-depleting substances and a cultural-object export-licence measure. Confirm the applicable declaration and any documentary requirement with your customs broker; the export measure should also be checked if re-exporting. Match the actual component, construction and intended use with the commodity code guide before ordering.

Specify the bumper and its vehicle application

Identify the vehicle model, body style, production revision and original part cross-reference. State whether the order is for an outer cover, reinforcement beam or assembly, and list included brackets, absorbers, grilles and fixings. Supply drawings and an approved sample showing mounting points and panel edges. For rear axle orders, see our rear axle sourcing guide.

Fix the plastic grade or metal specification, finish and paint preparation. Specify parking-sensor, camera, radar, washer and towing-eye openings where fitted. Ask for evidence supporting compatibility with the intended vehicle systems, rather than accepting a catalogue photograph. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed order of replacement front and rear bumpers for a parts distributor under 8708 10 90 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,500. Duty at 4% is £1,260. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,760, so it is £6,552. Import taxes total £7,812; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,260 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: trial-fit sampled bumpers to the intended vehicle or an agreed fixture; check brackets, bolt holes, clips and gaps against the approved sample.

Openings: compare sensor holders, grille apertures, washer cut-outs and towing-eye access with the ordered vehicle variant.

Materials and finish: check material records, moulding distortion, cracks, sharp edges, welds and coating condition against the specification.

Packing and arrival: check part and batch labels, protect projecting tabs and painted faces, and photograph crushed cartons or distorted parts before unpacking.

What goes wrong

A bumper can resemble the reference but have mounting tabs or sensor holders for another vehicle revision. Missing brackets, distorted covers and paint that will not adhere can make stock unusable. Approve a fitted sample, record the component list and agree how packing will prevent deformation.

Keep part numbers and batch references through receipt and dispatch so complaints can be traced. Use the quality inspection guide to turn the agreed bumper specification into checks before shipment.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.