Sourcing catering trailers from China

UK duty on catering trailers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 November 2026, heading 8716 covers trailers, other non-mechanically propelled vehicles and their parts. Investigate 8716 40 00 00 for a catering trailer, subject to its construction and use. The selected complete-trailer, chassis, body and axle lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension is listed for these lines.

The selected lines attach an ozone-depleting-substance restriction, fluorinated greenhouse gas import control and a DCMS Export Licence entry. Official guidance prohibits ozone-depleting substances in new equipment except recycled halons for critical uses. Pre-charged equipment includes equipment fitted inside other products, and equipment placed on the market must comply with product bans. Obtain refrigerant details for fitted refrigeration or air-conditioning. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements and declarations for the shipment from China, including whether the cultural-goods export entry requires any action.

Send drawings, photographs, intended use, the equipment schedule and assembly details to your broker to confirm the commodity code. Separately shipped appliances need their own classification review. See the wider trailers and caravans guide.

Specify the towing chassis and working kitchen

Fix the menu and service workflow before approving the layout. Specify serving-hatch position, staff access, worktops, handwashing provision, utensil washing, fresh-water and wastewater tanks, refrigeration and extraction. Record appliance models, electrical loads, gas type where fitted, and access for cleaning and repairs. Ask the intended operator to review the drawing with their local authority before manufacture.

Specify the finished trailer's empty and loaded weights, including appliances, water, stock and gas cylinders. Agree axle and coupling ratings, braking arrangements, lights, tyres, stabilisers and equipment restraints. In Great Britain, individual vehicle approval is a route for a single imported trailer or a very small number. Confirm the route and supporting documents before ordering, then keep the final build consistent with the agreed specification.

For operation in England or Wales, the food business must be registered at the location where it is stored overnight. HSE guidance says gas work, including inspection and maintenance, should only be carried out by a competent, Gas Safe-registered engineer. Arrange the gas inspection separately from the factory's visual inspection.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative catering trailer for a mobile food business, subject to classification under 8716 40 00 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,500, so it is £1,900. 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

Chassis and running gear: compare axle, coupling, brake, tyre and lighting details with the approved specification; check identification markings, welds, corrosion protection and transport damage.

Kitchen and hatch: measure workspaces and openings; operate hatch supports, locks and stabilisers; check appliance restraints, worktop joints and access behind equipment for cleaning.

Water and refrigeration: run taps, pump and drainage; inspect tanks and joints for leaks; trial refrigeration under agreed operating conditions and compare refrigerant labels with the equipment schedule.

Documents and arrival: match the trailer identification and installed appliances to the documents; retain electrical test records and arrange competent gas inspection where fitted. Photograph loose fixings, damaged seals and shifted equipment after unloading.

What goes wrong

A trailer can match the approved photograph yet leave too little payload once water, cooking equipment and stock are aboard. Late appliance substitutions can change weight distribution, electrical demand and extraction needs. Freeze the equipment schedule and require approval of changes before manufacture.

Poorly sealed hatch openings admit rain, inaccessible joints retain dirt, and tanks or appliances can work loose in transit. A factory rolling test does not establish the vehicle approval route. Agree documentary and physical acceptance checks before shipment, using the inspection guide to prepare the brief.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.