Sourcing computer mice from China

UK duty on computer mice

Heading 8471 covers automatic data-processing machines and their units. Computer mice sit within other input or output units under 8471 60 70 00. The rows distinguish purchasing options within that same commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, this line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the finished mouse and any separately supplied accessories against the actual specification using finding your commodity code. For the keyboard line within the wider heading, see sourcing computer keyboards.

Specify the sensor, connection and power supply

Agree the sensor model, selectable sensitivity, button functions, scroll-wheel behaviour, handedness, dimensions and weight. Specify the cable connector and length for wired mice, or the radio connection, receiver and pairing method for wireless models. Name the operating systems and functions to test, including waking from sleep.

For Great Britain, assess wired models against the electromagnetic compatibility rules and wireless models against the radio equipment rules. Hazardous-substance restrictions cover electrical and electronic equipment unless specifically excluded. Ask for model-matched compliance documents and material evidence through testing and certification.

Specify replaceable or rechargeable batteries, charging connector, included cable and receiver storage. For commercial imports intended for sale, address electrical-equipment producer responsibilities, including annual registration. The compliance discussion here concerns Great Britain; agree the destination market before approving artwork.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative bulk order of wired computer mice for a business reseller under 8471 60 70 00, 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

Tracking: test pointer movement on the agreed desk surfaces, sensitivity changes and response after waking from sleep.

Controls: check each button, held-button dragging and scrolling in both directions; look for unintended repeated clicks or skipped scroll movement.

Connection and power: check cable strain relief, receiver pairing, reconnection and charging where fitted. Confirm every packed mouse has the agreed accessories.

Build and documents: compare sensor and switch identities with the approved specification, inspect feet and casing seams, and match document model references to the goods. Use quality inspection to record batch findings.

What goes wrong

A similar shell can hide a substituted sensor or switch. The mouse may track acceptably during a brief demonstration but skip on the buyer's desk surface, repeat clicks or scroll inconsistently. Keep an approved sample and record component identities alongside the functional acceptance checks.

Wireless orders can arrive with missing receivers, unreliable reconnection or charging cables that do not match the agreed pack. Test samples from packed stock as well as loose factory samples, and agree how defective mice and incomplete packs will be handled.

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.