Sourcing cartridge fuses from China
Cartridge fuses from China under heading 8536 carry a flat 2% UK duty across the listed current bands, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. UK plug fuse links are specified by BS 1362. Match the fuse's voltage, operating characteristic and breaking capacity to its application. Cambridge China Bridge sources cartridge fuses.
Cartridge fuse duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 8536 covers electrical switching, protection and connection apparatus for voltages not exceeding 1,000 V. Its fuse lines split by current: not exceeding 10 A, exceeding 10 A but not exceeding 63 A, and exceeding 63 A. Glass and ceramic bodies within the same current band can share a commodity code.
The listed fuse lines carry 2% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension shown. Each flags mercury export control. The supplied tariff record does not list mercury import control for these fuse lines; ask your customs broker to confirm the relevance of the export flag to your transaction.
Confirm the commodity code using the datasheet, rated current and voltage. For the other products in this heading, see circuit breakers, switches and connectors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass cartridge fuses, current not exceeding 10 A | 8536 10 10 90 | 2% | None |
| Cartridge fuses, current exceeding 10 A but not exceeding 63 A | 8536 10 50 90 | 2% | None |
| Cartridge fuses, current exceeding 63 A | 8536 10 90 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the fuse's application and operating curve
Specify body material, dimensions and tolerances, end-cap construction, rated current, rated voltage, alternating or direct current use, breaking capacity and fast-acting or time-delay behaviour. Include the intended holder and operating environment. Ask for the time-current curve and test reports for the exact construction and ratings ordered.
UK plug fuse links are specified by BS 1362. Keep plug replacement fuses separate from equipment and industrial fuse specifications. Official guidance says separately marketed components can be fully manufactured products in their own right, so confirm the applicable conformity assessment and marking route for the intended sale. Arrange testing and certification against the agreed specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 5,000 ceramic cartridge fuses, current not exceeding 10 A under 8536 10 10 90, invoiced at £1,500 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,100. Duty at 2% is £42. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,142, so it is £428.40. Import taxes total £470.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £42 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identification: compare body and packaging markings with the approved datasheet, ordered ratings and batch records.
Construction: check tube cracks, loose end caps, plating defects and dimensions; trial-fit samples in the specified holder.
Performance: have a suitable laboratory test samples against the agreed time-current curve and breaking capacity. Continuity alone does not establish protective performance.
Arrival: check for broken tubes, crushed packaging and mixed ratings; retain samples and match the delivered batch to the inspection and test records.
What goes wrong
A matching size and current marking can conceal a different operating characteristic or breaking capacity. Treat changes to the fuse element, filler, body or end caps as changes requiring review and appropriate testing. A report for another rating or construction does not verify the ordered fuse.
Loose caps, cracked tubes and mixed ratings are reasons to separate affected stock for investigation. Check claimed certificates with their issuer and compare bulk samples with the approved sample before accepting the batch.
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 cartridge fuses from China?
The listed fuse codes under heading 8536 carry 2% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension shown.
Which commodity code covers cartridge fuses?
The listed codes are 8536 10 10 90 up to 10 A, 8536 10 50 90 over 10 A up to 63 A, and 8536 10 90 90 over 63 A. Confirm classification from the datasheet.
What standard applies to UK plug fuse links?
UK plug fuse links are specified by BS 1362. Ask for reports covering the exact fuse construction and rating, rather than a report for a different product.
Is a continuity test enough to accept cartridge fuses?
No. Continuity checks whether the element conducts; it does not establish the operating curve or breaking capacity. Include laboratory performance tests in the acceptance plan.