Sourcing bilge pumps from China
The relevant bilge pump and pump-part lines carry 0% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty in the supplied tariff extract. Electrical models within scope must meet electromagnetic compatibility requirements. Specify flow at the installed head and test automatic switching. Cambridge China Bridge sources bilge pumps.
UK duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected bilge pump and pump-part lines under heading 8413 carry 0% duty from China. The heading covers pumps for liquids and liquid elevators. These selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control.
The wider heading includes a torture and repression import prohibition and export restriction on 8413 81 00 90. If your broker proposes that residual code, the UK Trade Tariff attaches those controls and the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker. Other heading entries include a diesel pump-head suspension and supplementary-unit reporting, rather than bilge-specific concessions.
Classify the actual construction, rather than the name on the carton: hand-operated, reciprocating, submersible centrifugal or a separately supplied part. Confirm the commodity code from drawings and specifications. See water pumps and circulators for the wider heading. For the reverse trade route, see exporting UK pumps to China.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-operated bilge pumps, other | 8413 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other reciprocating pumps, including suitable diaphragm bilge pumps | 8413 50 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Single-stage submersible centrifugal bilge pumps | 8413 70 21 00 | 0% | None |
| Other pump parts, including suitable bilge pump parts | 8413 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
Installed flow, switching and cable seals
Specify supply voltage, current draw, flow at the installed head, hose route, outlet connection, mounting footprint and intended liquid. Ask for a performance curve rather than relying on an unrestricted discharge claim. Agree casing, impeller, diaphragm and seal materials for the intended bilge water.
For automatic models, specify the switching method, start and stop water levels, manual override and access for cleaning. Agree cable length, cable-entry sealing, strainer removal and replacement parts. Electrical equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance falls within the electromagnetic compatibility rules, subject to exceptions. Ask for a model-specific scope assessment and supporting conformity documents before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative stock order of 3,000 compact electric bilge pumps under 8413 70 21 00, invoiced at £90,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £93,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £93,000, so it is £18,600. 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
Performance: test sampled pumps with the agreed hose and discharge head; compare delivered flow and current draw with the approved specification.
Switching: raise and lower the water level repeatedly; check automatic starting, stopping and manual override, including after the strainer is removed and refitted.
Sealing: inspect cable entries, joints and hose connections; test immersion under agreed conditions and look for moisture entering the motor housing.
Arrival: match model labels, wiring instructions, mounting parts and spare components to the order; check cartons for crushed outlets and damaged cables. Use an agreed inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A pump can meet its advertised open-discharge flow yet deliver too little through the installed hose. Float switches can stick against the hull or wiring, while debris blocks strainers. Cable-entry leaks and poorly sealed joints let water reach the motor.
Keep an approved sample and record the test arrangement. Repeat the installed-flow and switching checks on production samples and after arrival. Specify whether the pump must tolerate dry running rather than assuming it can, and agree access to strainers, switches and replacement diaphragms.
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 bilge pumps from China?
The selected hand-operated, reciprocating and submersible pump lines and other pump parts carry 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty in the supplied extract.
Which commodity code applies to a bilge pump?
It depends on construction. A hand pump, diaphragm pump, submersible centrifugal pump and separate pump part can use different lines. Give your broker drawings and the operating description.
How do I check a bilge pump's flow rating?
Test it at the planned discharge head with the agreed hose arrangement. Compare measured flow and current draw with the approved performance curve.
What should I test on an automatic bilge pump?
Check starting and stopping as water rises and falls, manual override, freedom of switch movement, strainer access and cable-entry sealing under agreed immersion conditions.