Sourcing carbon contact buttons from China
Carbon electrical contact buttons from China carry 0% UK duty under the residual carbon electrical articles line, subject to classification. Check material composition against UK REACH obligations before supply, and specify contact resistance and mounting fit. Cambridge China Bridge sources carbon electrical contact buttons.
0% duty on carbon electrical contact buttons
Heading 8545 covers graphite and other carbon articles, with or without metal, used for electrical purposes. For separate carbon electrical contact buttons, check the residual line 8545 90 90 99 against the material and function. The table shows product variants under that same line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is normally 20%. The absence of a tariff control does not settle the product's material compliance.
Give your customs broker the drawing, composition, backing details and intended electrical use to confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see graphite electrodes and carbon brushes.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon electrical contact buttons, plain | 8545 90 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify the contact face and carbon grade
Describe the actual contact duty: mating material, current, contact pressure, switching action and operating temperature. Specify carbon or graphite grade, any metal content, binder, diameter, thickness, contact-face profile, flatness and mounting arrangement. Agree bulk resistivity and an assembled contact-resistance test using the intended mating surface and pressure.
For metal-backed buttons, define the backing material, attachment method and bond-strength check. Approve a sample in the buyer's assembly before bulk production, and request batch-linked material and test records. Obtain composition information for the carbon body, binder and backing: inclusion of a substance on the UK REACH Candidate List brings supplier obligations. Use testing and certification support to assess the actual part.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 carbon electrical contact buttons, illustrative order under 8545 90 90 99, 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
Material: match the batch certificate and grade designation to the approved sample; check the stated metal and binder composition.
Geometry: measure diameter, thickness, face profile and backing position against the drawing; check for chipped edges, cracks and loose backing.
Electrical performance: test sampled buttons against the agreed contact-resistance method and mating surface; investigate inconsistent readings.
Arrival condition: check for transit damage, dust, moisture and mixed grades; keep batch identities separate and trial-fit sampled buttons. See quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A button can fit the holder yet perform poorly because its grade, contact face or mating pressure differs from the approved sample. High contact resistance can cause local heating; brittle edges chip during fitting, and a weak backing joint can separate in service.
Agree the test setup before ordering, including how the contact face is cleaned and loaded. Hold suspect batches apart while checking certificates, dimensions and performance. Approve material or attachment changes before the factory uses them.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on carbon contact buttons from China?
The supplied tariff record, read on 30 September 2026, shows 0% for 8545 90 90 99, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Confirm that the actual button belongs under this code.
Are carbon contact buttons the same as carbon brushes?
Do not classify by the supplier's name alone. The tariff has a separate brushes line. Give your broker the drawing and intended contact function to distinguish a button from a brush.
What should I put on a carbon contact button drawing?
Specify material grade, composition, diameter, thickness, contact-face shape, tolerances, backing and attachment. Add the intended mating surface, pressure and contact-resistance acceptance method.
How do I check a replacement carbon contact button?
Check dimensions and mounting fit, then test contact resistance and operation in the intended assembly. Appearance and fit alone do not establish that the material grade is suitable.