Sourcing chainsaws from China

UK duty on chainsaws and replacement parts

Heading 8467 covers tools for working in the hand with pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or non-electric power. This guide focuses on chainsaws and replacement parts. See the hand-held power tools guide for the wider heading.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, electric chainsaws from China carry 2% duty; non-electric chainsaws and the listed parts carry 0%. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the motor type and whether the shipment contains complete saws or separately supplied parts. The other-parts row is a classification candidate, not a default code for every accessory. Use finding your commodity code to check the exact goods before declaring them.

Specify the saw, cutting system and support

Define the timber, cutting task and expected working pattern. Specify petrol, mains or battery power, handle arrangement, guide-bar length, chain pitch, drive-link gauge, sprocket compatibility and chain-tensioning method. Name the approved bar and chain combination and agree replacement availability. For battery models, identify the pack, charger and UK plug configuration.

Obtain the exact model's declaration of conformity, English instructions, marking and technical evidence. Confirm the applicable Great Britain machinery, electrical, electromagnetic compatibility and battery requirements with the relevant authority for the supplied configuration. Include outdoor-noise evidence and guaranteed sound power marking in the buying brief. For petrol models, check engine type approval and displayed engine markings before buying.

Agree a cutting trial using representative timber and the supplied cutting system. Compare cutting performance, oil delivery, handling and restart behaviour against the approved sample. Ask for noise and vibration information without treating laboratory figures as the operator's actual exposure.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of electric chainsaws under 8467 22 10 00, invoiced at £2,025 free on board, with £468 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,493. Duty at 2% is £49.86. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,542.86, so it is £508.57. Import taxes total £558.43; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £49.86 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the saw, motor or engine, bar, chain and supplied accessories to the approved specification and model-specific documentation.

Safety controls: have a trained operator check the chain brake, front hand guard, chain catcher, trigger lock and stop control using the manufacturer's instructions.

Cutting and lubrication: check chain tension, bar alignment, oil delivery and leakage, then record cutting behaviour in the agreed trial.

Arrival and support: inspect housings, handles and bar covers for transport damage; check English instructions, markings, charger configuration and the fit of ordered spare parts.

What goes wrong

A substituted bar or chain can leave the delivered saw different from the tested sample. Poor oil delivery, loose tensioning hardware, damaged guards or an unreliable stop control are reasons to hold the affected stock for investigation. Record the defect against the model and batch before agreeing corrective action.

Documents for a similar saw do not establish conformity of the delivered model. Check that engine identification and noise documentation match the goods. For a saw supplied for employees, confirm any applicable workplace equipment and vibration duties with HSE; plan actual use rather than relying on the factory's declared vibration value.

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.