Sourcing ceramic trimmer capacitors from China
Ceramic trimmer capacitors from China carry 0% UK duty under the adjustable-capacitor line, with no duty variation across heading 8532. Components sold between businesses are outside RoHS scope, but an in-scope final assembly must comply, including its components. Cambridge China Bridge sources ceramic trimmer capacitors.
UK duty on ceramic trimmer capacitors
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8532 covers fixed, variable and adjustable electrical capacitors. Ceramic trimmers are adjustable components: use 8532 30 00 00 as the classification starting point. The fixed ceramic lines in the table are comparisons for distinguishing non-adjustable parts.
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for goods from China across every line, including adjustable capacitors and parts. They list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the construction and adjustment function against the drawing and datasheet before declaring the commodity code. Describe complete trimmers separately from loose parts. For related variable-capacitor sourcing, see variable air capacitors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Variable or adjustable capacitors, including ceramic trimmers | 8532 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Capacitor parts | 8532 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Fixed single-layer ceramic capacitors, for classification comparison | 8532 23 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Fixed multilayer ceramic capacitors, for classification comparison | 8532 24 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the tuning range and adjustment mechanism
Specify minimum and maximum capacitance, rated voltage, temperature behaviour and the measurement conditions. State the ceramic dielectric, mounting style, pad or lead layout, body height, adjustment direction and tool access. Agree acceptable adjustment torque and how capacitance should behave after the tool is removed.
Ask for samples to evaluate tuning repeatability and stability after the intended soldering process. Record the approved part number, drawing and packing method, and require approval before substitutions.
Official guidance excludes component parts sold between businesses from RoHS scope, but requires an in-scope final assembly to comply, including its components. Request part-specific hazardous-substance declarations and material data to support the finished-product assessment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative stock order of ceramic trimmer capacitors under 8532 30 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
Range: measure capacitance throughout adjustment using the agreed test conditions, and check that the required tuning range is reachable.
Mechanism: check smooth adjustment, tool fit and retention of the setting after removing the tool. Look for loose rotors or damaged adjustment slots.
Construction: inspect ceramic bodies for cracks, terminals for damage and dimensions against the approved drawing. Check fit on the intended board.
Traceability: match supplier labels, lot details and material declarations to the ordered part number. Check that packing protects the adjustment mechanism. See quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A part can fit the board yet fail to reach the required capacitance at the useful adjustment position. A different dielectric or mechanism can change temperature behaviour, adjustment feel or setting stability. Damaged slots and cracked ceramic bodies can make otherwise matching parts unusable.
Agree a sample-based acceptance method before ordering. Test adjustment and circuit behaviour after soldering, rather than accepting a capacitance reading at a single position. Keep the approved drawing and sample available when checking repeat batches.
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 ceramic trimmer capacitors from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% under 8532 30 00 00, read on 30 September 2026. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Are ceramic trimmers classified as fixed ceramic capacitors?
Start with the variable or adjustable line, 8532 30 00 00. Confirm the adjustment function and construction; the ceramic dielectric alone does not describe the complete product.
What should I specify for a ceramic trimmer capacitor?
Specify the capacitance range, voltage, temperature behaviour, footprint, body height, adjustment access and torque. Agree test conditions and approve samples after the intended soldering process.
Do ceramic trimmer components need RoHS evidence?
Business-to-business component parts are outside RoHS scope, but an in-scope final assembly must comply, including its components. Request material data and part-specific declarations for that assessment.