Sourcing Brinell hardness testers from China

UK duty on Brinell hardness testers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 9024 covers machines for testing mechanical properties of materials. Brinell hardness testers for metals fall within 9024 10 40 00; parts and accessories are listed under 9024 90 00 00. Both carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control recorded.

Other metal-testing machines and machines for other materials also carry 0%, but their lines attach an import control of mercury. The official guidance says these controls concern intentionally added mercury or mercury compounds. If a supplier proposes either of those classifications, ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the exact equipment from China.

Confirm the commodity code from the machine's testing method and the identity of separately supplied parts. The table repeats the relevant codes for different buying options, rather than suggesting separate tariff subdivisions. For the wider heading, see Rockwell hardness testers.

Specify the Brinell test and reading system

Specify specimen material, available test forces, ball indenter material and diameter, load application and dwell control, specimen height, throat clearance and support shape. Decide whether indentation diameter will be read through a microscope or a camera. Ask the factory to demonstrate your specimens, including curved or bulky pieces, and supply the original indentation images alongside the results.

Agree verification to the relevant part of ISO 6506, as covered in our published material-testing guide, and request traceable calibration records for the supplied machine. Plan independent verification after installation where results support conformity decisions. For powered models, check CE or UKCA marking, the declaration of conformity, guarding and an English manual before shipment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Three bench Brinell hardness testers, illustrative order under 9024 10 40 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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

Force and cycle: check the ordered force settings and dwell control against calibration records, then repeat tests on suitable reference blocks.

Indentation reading: check optical focus, image scale calibration and consistent diameter readings; compare saved images with the reported results.

Specimen support: check anvil fit, alignment, clearance and stability using your actual specimens; inspect the ball and holder for damage.

Arrival and documents: inspect the frame, optics and accessories for transit damage, match machine identity to the certificates, and check guards and controls before use. Use our inspection guide to plan shipment checks.

What goes wrong

A tester can produce plausible results while its force or optical scale is wrong. Poor surface preparation, an unstable specimen, a damaged ball or indistinct indentation edges can also undermine readings. A demonstration on the supplier's easiest specimen may conceal poor access to your larger components.

Agree acceptance checks using your specimens and reference blocks, retain images and calibration records, and repeat checks after transport. Confirm replacement indenters, optical support and local verification arrangements before committing to the order.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.