Sourcing compressor mechanical seals from China
Compressor mechanical seals from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant tariff lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Products sold in the UK must comply with applicable product safety law. Specify the compressor, shaft fit and operating conditions. Cambridge China Bridge sources compressor mechanical seals.
Compressor seal duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8484 covers mechanical seals alongside certain metal or composite gaskets and packed gasket assortments. The table includes associated gaskets as separate goods; they are not compressor mechanical seals. See the pump mechanical seals guide for related coverage of the heading.
The listed lines carry 0% duty on goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspension. Code 8484 20 00 10 specifically describes shaft seals for rotary compressors used in manufacturing motor vehicle air-conditioning units. The tariff attaches a supplementary-unit import control to this line. HMRC requires the supplementary-unit field where the commodity code requires it; ask your customs broker to confirm the unit and declaration requirement.
Other mechanical seals appear under 8484 20 00 90. Confirm the commodity code using the seal drawing, construction and intended application, particularly whether the automotive manufacturing description applies. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaft seals for rotary compressors used to manufacture vehicle air-conditioning units | 8484 20 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other mechanical seals, including compressor mechanical seals | 8484 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Associated metal-sheet composite or multilayer metal gaskets | 8484 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Associated assortments of gaskets of different compositions, packed together | 8484 90 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the compressor and sealing arrangement
Give the factory the compressor maker, model, seal drawing and mating-part details. Specify shaft diameter, housing bore, installed length, rotation direction, face materials, elastomer grade and spring arrangement. State the gas or refrigerant, lubricant, operating pressure, temperature and shaft speed. Agree whether the supply includes the stationary seat, sleeve, retaining parts and installation instructions.
Products placed on the UK market must comply with applicable UK product safety legislation. Ask a compliance adviser to assess the exact seal and intended service before sale. For purchasing approval, request material evidence and test records linked to the supplied design, rather than relying on a catalogue statement that the seal fits the compressor.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 40 compressor mechanical seals, illustrative order only under 8484 20 00 90, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,200, so it is £1,840. 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
Dimensions: measure shaft fit, stationary-seat fit and installed length against the approved drawing; trial-fit a sample in the intended assembly.
Faces: inspect for chips, scratches and contamination; check face flatness with an optical flat and keep the mating faces protected.
Materials: match face and elastomer grades to the order and supporting material records; confirm compatibility with the specified gas, refrigerant and lubricant.
Assembly and testing: check springs, retainers, seats and rotation details; review leakage-test conditions and results against the agreed acceptance criteria. Arrange quality inspection before shipment and repeat damage checks on arrival.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A seal can match the shaft diameter yet have the wrong installed length or stationary-seat fit. Poor face flatness causes leakage, while chipped faces and dirt introduced during packing can damage the sealing interface. Elastomers may swell in the lubricant or refrigerant even when the assembly initially fits.
A leakage result is difficult to assess without the test medium, pressure, temperature and rotation conditions. Agree these with the factory and your compressor engineer before production. Keep an approved sample and drawing revision, and investigate any change in face materials, elastomers or spring construction before accepting replacement stock.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on compressor mechanical seals from China?
The relevant mechanical-seal lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code covers compressor mechanical seals?
Other mechanical seals appear under 8484 20 00 90. Code 8484 20 00 10 has a specific automotive compressor manufacturing description; confirm that application with your broker.
Can I order a compressor seal using shaft diameter alone?
Include the compressor model, drawing, housing fit, installed length, rotation direction, face and elastomer materials, gas or refrigerant, lubricant and operating conditions.
How should I check compressor seals before shipment?
Measure against the approved drawing, inspect face condition and flatness, verify materials, trial-fit a sample and review leakage results under agreed test conditions.