Sourcing coin sorting machines from China

UK duty on coin sorting machines

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8472 includes coin-sorting, coin-counting and coin-wrapping machines. The relevant line is 8472 90 10 00. The table shows configurations within that same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

The supplied record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control listed for this line. Import VAT still needs budgeting; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the machine's actual sorting, counting and wrapping functions. For related cash-handling equipment, see banknote counters.

Specify British coin compatibility

Specify the current British coin denominations the machine must accept, whether it sorts mixed coins, and whether it reports counts, values or both. Agree hopper capacity, throughput under mixed loading, batch settings, tray capacity and the method for clearing jams. State whether foreign coins, tokens and damaged coins should be rejected or handled separately.

For mains-powered office machines, confirm applicable electrical safety requirements, declarations of conformity and UKCA or CE marking with the relevant authority. The importer must ensure instructions are in easily understandable English. Request model-specific safety and electromagnetic compatibility reports, and agree the plug, power supply, cleaning instructions and replacement wear parts before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 coin-sorting machines; FOB value and freight are illustrative whole-pound amounts. under 8472 90 10 00, invoiced at £28,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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

Sorting: run a manually counted mixture of current British coins through sample machines and compare each tray with the expected denominations.

Counting and batching: compare displayed counts and values with the known input; check batch stops, restart behaviour and what happens when a tray fills.

Running and recovery: test the agreed hopper loading and operating cycle, watch for repeated jams or overheating, and check access for cleaning and clearing trapped coins.

Arrival checks: inspect trays, hopper, housing, feet and packaging for damage; match the model and power supply to the documents and check markings, plug and English instructions. Use an agreed inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A machine demonstrated with a single denomination may miscount mixed British coins or send them to the wrong tray. Incorrect currency settings, dirty sensors and worn sorting parts can cause rejection or inconsistent totals. Test the approved sample with the buyer's actual coin mix and repeat that test on production samples.

Do not accept a demonstration of sorting as proof of counting accuracy or batch performance. Record how the machine handles full trays, interrupted runs and jams, and agree which faults stop shipment. Match compliance documents to the supplied model; testing and certification support can help organise that review.

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.