Sourcing centrifugal oil separators from China
Centrifugal oil separators from China have 0% UK duty across the relevant machinery and parts lines supplied, with no listed trade remedies. For complete industrial machines intended for Great Britain, confirm the applicable machinery safety, declaration of conformity and CE or UKCA marking requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources centrifugal oil separators.
UK duty on centrifugal oil separators
Heading 8421 covers centrifuges and liquid or gas filtering and purifying machinery. For a centrifugal oil separator, compare the other-centrifuge line with liquid-purification machinery according to its construction and operation. The table includes related parts and comparison lines; these are alternatives to check, rather than interchangeable codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, all selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
Send your customs broker the operating principle, drawings, oil application and details of any separately shipped parts to confirm the commodity code. For the wider centrifuge family, see laboratory centrifuges.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other centrifuges, including industrial centrifugal oil separators | 8421 19 70 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of centrifuges, including centrifugal oil separator parts | 8421 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other liquid filtering or purifying machinery, for comparison | 8421 29 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Other filtering or purifying machinery parts, for comparison | 8421 99 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify the oil and separation duty
Specify whether the separator removes solids, water or both, and identify the oil, viscosity and operating temperature. Agree throughput under those conditions, acceptable outlet contamination, bowl material, seal compatibility, sludge discharge method and cleaning access. Ask for a separation trial using representative feed, with inlet and outlet samples and the operating settings recorded.
For complete industrial machinery sold in Great Britain, check machinery safety compliance, the declaration of conformity and CE or UKCA marking. The responsible person must compile the technical file and make it available on request. Ask for model-specific supporting documents through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative workshop batch of centrifugal oil separators under 8421 19 70 00, invoiced at £38,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,000, so it is £8,000. 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
Bowl and drive: check bowl identification, assembly, balance records, bearing condition and vibration during an agreed running trial.
Oil circuit: check inlet and outlet fittings, seal materials, leaks, drains and separation results against the agreed feed conditions.
Protection and documents: check guards, fitted interlocks, emergency stopping, the model on the declaration and marking, and instructions for operation and cleaning.
Arrival and spares: check transit damage, corrosion, loose connections and the fit of supplied seals and service tools before commissioning. Agree checks through quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A throughput claim without oil viscosity and temperature leaves you unable to compare machines. A trial with cleaner or warmer feed can hide poor separation under your conditions. Make the acceptance record identify the feed and operating settings, and retain the sample results.
Bowl damage, incorrect assembly and unsuitable seals can lead to vibration or leaks. Ask the supplier to show the cleaning and reassembly procedure, identify replacement parts by drawing and demonstrate the machine after reassembly.
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 centrifugal oil separators from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% on the selected machinery and parts lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
Which commodity code covers a centrifugal oil separator?
Compare 8421 19 70 00 for other centrifuges with 8421 29 80 90 for other liquid-purifying machinery. Ask your broker to confirm from the operating principle and drawings.
Does an industrial oil separator need CE or UKCA marking?
For complete industrial machinery intended for Great Britain, confirm the applicable machinery safety, declaration of conformity and CE or UKCA marking requirements with the relevant authority. Check the documents against the actual model.
How do I check an oil separator before shipment?
Run representative oil at the agreed viscosity, temperature and flow. Compare inlet and outlet samples, check vibration and leaks, and inspect the bowl, guards, seals and supplied spares.