Sourcing cathode-ray tubes from China

0% duty on cathode-ray tubes

Heading 8540 includes cathode-ray television and video monitor picture tubes, data and graphic display tubes, other cathode-ray tubes and their parts. This guide covers those products; see the vacuum tubes and magnetrons guide for the wider heading.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, all selected cathode-ray tube and parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code using the tube's function, colour capability and, where relevant, phosphor dot pitch. Distinguish a complete tube from a part and from an assembled monitor. For the calculation method, see UK import duty and VAT.

Specify the replacement tube and its condition

Give the original tube designation, equipment model and drawings. Agree screen dimensions, face curvature, mounting points, neck dimensions, base connections, heater and anode ratings, phosphor type and deflection arrangement. State whether the deflection yoke is included. Approve the replacement in the intended equipment before accepting an equivalent designation.

State whether the tubes are newly manufactured, unused old stock, rebuilt or recovered used units. Request condition photographs and test records tied to the supplied batch. Agree acceptance criteria for brightness, focus, geometry, colour convergence where relevant, and visible screen burn.

Under the Great Britain hazardous-substance rules, electrical and electronic equipment, including cables and spare parts, is in scope unless specifically excluded. Confirm with the relevant authority how these rules apply to components used in equipment sold in the UK. Ask for material evidence and details of any exemption relied on; establish the intended supply and applicable scope before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of monochrome replacement picture tubes under 8540 12 00 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £30,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,900, so it is £6,180. 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

Identity and fit: compare markings, mounting points, neck dimensions, base connections and any supplied yoke against the approved sample and drawing.

Glass and condition: check the faceplate and neck for cracks, chips and scratches; compare condition with the declared stock category and look for screen burn.

Performance: have a competent technician test samples in a suitable fixture for brightness, focus, geometry and colour convergence where applicable; retain results against batch identification.

Packing: check individual cushioning supports the tube body without loading the neck or pins, prevents movement and separates glass surfaces. Photograph packing and arrival damage.

What goes wrong

A similar designation can conceal a different base connection, deflection arrangement or mounting geometry. Recovered tubes may have weak emission or screen burn, while a working sample can hide variation across the batch. Require condition disclosure and agreed functional tests in the inspection brief.

Neck breakage can make an otherwise usable tube worthless. For recovered stock, establish whether the shipment contains usable products or waste before dispatch. For shipments into England, waste controls apply across the whole journey when the material is waste. Ask the customs broker and relevant environmental authority to confirm the applicable route.

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.