Sourcing Bluetooth Low Energy modules from China
Bluetooth Low Energy modules within heading 8517 have 0% UK duty across the candidate lines shown. Radio equipment supplied on the Great Britain market must meet essential requirements; imports for further manufacture need a different assessment of responsibility. Cambridge China Bridge sources Bluetooth Low Energy modules.
Duty and classification for Bluetooth modules
Heading 8517 covers apparatus transmitting or receiving voice, images or other data, including wireless network equipment, and relevant parts. The table lists candidate descriptions for Bluetooth Low Energy modules and separately supplied aerials or parts. It is not a declaration that every module fits the same code.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, all listed candidate lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Give your customs broker the datasheet, circuit description, photographs and explanation of whether the item performs communication itself or is a part. Confirm classification using finding your commodity code. For the wider product family, see headphones and Bluetooth speakers.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data reception, conversion and transmission modules | 8517 62 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other wireless communication apparatus | 8517 69 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Separately supplied aerials and aerial parts | 8517 71 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other communication apparatus parts | 8517 79 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the antenna, firmware and host interface
Specify the chip manufacturer and exact part, antenna type, connector, board footprint, supply voltage, host interface and pin assignment. Agree firmware functionality, pairing behaviour, update method and access to programming tools. Define sleep current and communication performance against your own application rather than accepting a supplier's range claim.
Decide whether you are buying a separately supplied finished radio module or importing an item for further manufacture. Official guidance says imports for further manufacture or processing are not considered placed on the market, while separately supplied components can be finished products in their own right. For radio equipment placed on the Great Britain market, importers must ensure conformity assessment, technical documentation, a declaration of conformity and the relevant marking.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,000 Bluetooth Low Energy data modules; illustrative order, subject to classification under 8517 62 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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
Identity: compare chip markings, board revision, antenna components and firmware with the approved sample; retain batch identification.
Integration: fit samples to your host board and enclosure, checking pad alignment, connector fit and antenna clearance.
Operation: test pairing, reconnection, data transfer, sleep current and recovery after power interruption using your intended host.
Evidence: match the declaration and supporting test reports to the supplied hardware, firmware and antenna configuration. Agree the scope of testing and certification before ordering.
What goes wrong
A module can work on an open development board but lose communication performance inside the buyer's enclosure. Antenna substitutions, altered matching components and undocumented firmware changes can make repeat batches behave differently. Keep the approved configuration in the purchase specification and require written approval for substitutions.
Do not treat a module report as proof that your finished assembly is compliant. Official guidance states that a finished product must comply with all applicable legislation when placed on the Great Britain market. Plan assessment around the assembly you intend to sell.
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 Bluetooth Low Energy modules from China?
The candidate lines under heading 8517 shown here carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff reading. No trade remedies are recorded on those lines. Confirm the code for your actual module; import VAT is normally 20%.
Which commodity code should I use for a Bluetooth module?
Classification depends on the module's function and condition as imported. Supply its datasheet and circuit description to your broker; do not choose a parts code merely because it will be fitted into another product.
Does a module test report cover my finished product?
Do not assume it does. A finished product must comply with applicable legislation when placed on the Great Britain market. Check the report's hardware, firmware and antenna configuration against your assembly.
What should I test before accepting a batch?
Check chip and board identity, firmware, pairing, reconnection, data transfer and sleep current. Test communication with the module installed in your intended host board and enclosure.