Sourcing bicycle derailleurs from China
Bicycle derailleurs carry 4% ordinary UK duty, with a conditional 0% suspension on a specified manufacturing line. The other manufacturing line adds 48.50% anti-dumping duty. Small consignments do not automatically qualify for relief: check authorised use before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources bicycle derailleurs.
UK duty on bicycle derailleurs
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8714 includes bicycle derailleur gears. The supplied data distinguishes manufacturing sets containing a rear derailleur and mounting articles, with or without a front derailleur, from other derailleur gears. The companion sprocket-set row is a separate drivetrain component, not a derailleur.
All listed derailleur lines have 4% ordinary duty. Code 8714 99 50 11 has a conditional 0% suspension; 8714 99 50 19 has no suspension or recorded trade remedy; 8714 99 50 91 adds residual anti-dumping duty of 48.50%. The relief lines attach authorised-use provisions. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations or products made up of different components containing these products. Confirm eligibility and authorisation with your customs broker rather than assuming a small order qualifies.
The snapshot also attaches a cultural-object export-licence control to these lines; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to your transaction. Confirm the precise goods and use through finding your commodity code. For the wider product family, see bicycle parts and tyres.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing derailleur sets, conditional China relief line | 8714 99 50 11 | 4% | None |
| Other derailleur gears, conditional China relief line | 8714 99 50 19 | 4% | None |
| Manufacturing derailleur sets, other imports | 8714 99 50 91 | 4% | 48.50% residual anti-dumping |
| Companion sprocket sets for bicycle manufacture, specified tariff construction | 8714 93 00 20 | 4% | None |
Specify the drivetrain, not just the derailleur
This guide focuses on mechanical derailleurs. Specify front or rear position, shifter compatibility and cable pull, sprocket range, chain width, cage length and chain capacity. For front derailleurs, record the mounting arrangement, clamp diameter where applicable, cable routing and chainring arrangement. For rear derailleurs, agree the hanger interface, mounting hardware and pulley construction.
Approve a sample on the intended drivetrain. Record the materials, pivot construction, spring action, finish and adjustment instructions. Confirm the applicable product safety requirements and the UK importing business's responsibilities with the relevant authority before selling components separately. Request test records matching the supplied model and intended installation.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 50 mechanical derailleurs, assuming authorised-use eligibility under 8714 99 50 19, invoiced at £800 free on board, with £200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,000. Duty at 4% is £40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,040, so it is £208. Import taxes total £248; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: compare the model, cage, mounting hardware and carton contents with the approved sample and packing list.
Fit: check mounting threads, clamp fit where applicable, pulley alignment and clearance on the intended bicycle.
Function: operate through the agreed sprocket range; check indexing, return action and limit adjustment without chain overshift.
Condition: check pivot play, bent cages, damaged threads, corrosion and batch identification. Agree the checks using the quality inspection guide.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A derailleur can fit the hanger yet fail to index with the buyer's shifter. An unsuitable cage or sprocket range can leave the chain slack or pull the mechanism beyond its travel. Mixed models, substituted pulleys and transport-bent cages are further reasons to compare arrival stock with the approved drivetrain sample.
Customs problems arise when an invoice says only bicycle parts or treats relief as automatic. Ask your customs broker to confirm the authorised-use procedure and any quantity limits or averaging period applicable to a small-quantity claim. Agree the classification and procedure before shipment, and keep the manufacturing specification separate from any claim to duty relief.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on bicycle derailleurs from China?
Ordinary duty is 4%. Code 8714 99 50 11 has a conditional 0% suspension; 8714 99 50 91 also carries 48.50% residual anti-dumping duty. Confirm the applicable line and relief conditions.
Does a small derailleur order avoid anti-dumping duty?
Do not assume so. Confirm the authorised-use procedure and any quantity limits or averaging period applicable to a small-quantity claim with your customs broker.
How do I check derailleur compatibility before ordering?
Test the approved sample with the intended shifter, chain, sprockets and mounting interface. Check indexing, chain capacity, clearance and limit adjustment across the agreed range.
What should I inspect when derailleurs arrive?
Check model identity, cage alignment, pivot play, spring return, pulley movement, mounting threads and adjustment screws. Compare the hardware and carton contents with the approved sample.