Sourcing carbon film resistors from China
Carbon film resistors from China carry 0% UK duty under 8533 10 00 00, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Specify carbon film construction and obtain material evidence so parts support the finished electrical product's restricted-substance compliance. Cambridge China Bridge sources carbon film resistors.
Carbon film resistor duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8533 covers electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, other than heating resistors. Complete fixed carbon film resistors fall within 8533 10 00 00, which also covers carbon composition resistors.
The supplied tariff facts record 0% duty for goods from China on every line of this heading. They record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The table includes other fixed-resistor lines for comparison and a parts line; those comparison lines are not the code for complete carbon film resistors.
Confirm the construction and whether the shipment contains complete resistors or parts against the datasheet before choosing the commodity code. For another resistor technology within the wider heading, see metal film resistors. The import duty and VAT guide explains the tax calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed carbon resistors, including carbon film types | 8533 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Comparison: other fixed resistors, power capacity not exceeding 20 W | 8533 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Comparison: other fixed resistors, power capacity exceeding 20 W | 8533 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Resistor parts, rather than complete carbon film resistors | 8533 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the carbon film construction and leads
Write carbon film explicitly on the purchase specification. State resistance value, tolerance, rated power, temperature coefficient, maximum working voltage and operating conditions. Agree body dimensions, lead diameter, lead length and any forming needed for assembly. Specify loose or taped packing, marking format and the manufacturer's full part number.
Confirm with the relevant product-compliance authority which restricted-substance rules apply to the finished electrical product and its components. Ask for material declarations and supporting test evidence matched to the ordered part number, including the coating and lead finish. Keep the approved sample and datasheet with the order.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 million carbon film resistors in assorted resistance values under 8533 10 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,300, so it is £1,860. 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
Resistance: measure samples from each value and production lot against the ordered tolerance; compare colour bands and bag or tape labels with the readings.
Body and leads: check body dimensions, lead diameter, straightness and forming against the drawing; inspect for cracked coatings, corrosion and damaged lead joints.
Performance: test samples under the agreed load and temperature conditions, then check resistance drift; assess solderability using the agreed assembly process.
Traceability: match manufacturer, part number and lot labels to the order and material documents; keep different values separated. Use the inspection guide to plan the checks.
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What goes wrong
A matching resistance value can hide a substituted construction, different body size or unsuitable voltage rating. Unclear colour bands and mixed bags can cause assembly errors. Damaged coatings, oxidised leads and resistance drift under load are further reasons to hold a lot for investigation.
Approve changes before dispatch and compare bulk samples with the approved sample and datasheet. Measuring resistance alone does not establish the film material, power rating or temperature behaviour. Require matching construction records and performance evidence before accepting a substitute.
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 film resistors from China?
The supplied tariff facts record 0% under 8533 10 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
Are carbon film and metal film resistors interchangeable?
Do not accept a substitution on resistance value alone. Compare tolerance, power, voltage rating, temperature coefficient, dimensions and performance in the intended circuit.
What material documents should I request?
Request restricted-substance declarations and supporting material or test data for the exact part number. Check that the evidence covers the coating and lead finish supplied.
Do business-supplied resistor components count as WEEE equipment?
Official guidance says components and sub-assemblies supplied to a business for building a finished product are not electrical and electronic equipment products for WEEE purposes.