Sourcing computer parts and components from China
Parts and accessories for computers from China, including boards and other electronic assemblies, pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. The risks are compatibility, refurbished or counterfeit components sold as new, static damage and lithium batteries, so part numbers, testing and ESD packing decide the order. Cambridge China Bridge sources computer parts for repairers and OEMs.
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Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, parts and accessories of computers, both electronic assemblies and other parts, carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Several common replacement parts classify elsewhere: batteries, power supplies, screens and cables each have their own headings. Confirm the commodity code for each part; the laptops and mini PCs guide covers complete machines.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parts and accessories of computers, electronic assemblies | 8473 30 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories of computers, other | 8473 30 80 00 | 0% | None |
Compatibility and part numbers
Replacement parts sell on fit: the part must match the original part number and the machine's revision. Buy against the original part number and a photograph of the part, and ask the supplier for a compatibility list; test a sample in the target machine before ordering volume. For cases, see our guide to sourcing computer chassis.
Describe fit with the original maker's part number, but keep branding your own. The phone repair parts guide covers the same grading questions for screens and batteries.
New, refurbished or counterfeit
Components pulled from used equipment or remarked chips can be sold as new. State in the order whether parts must be new, and from which manufacturer, and ask how the supplier sources them; test samples for function and check markings and date codes at inspection.
Electronic assemblies need electrostatic discharge protection in packing, so specify anti-static bags and trays, and check them before the cartons are closed.
Worked duty example
For a made-up shipment of 5,000 replacement laptop keyboards and hinges under 8473 30 80 00, add the £1,500 of freight and insurance to the £30,000 free-on-board price and customs sees £31,500. Duty on computer parts is zero, leaving import VAT of £6,300, 20% of the customs value. For a VAT-registered buyer that is a cash-flow cost rather than a lasting one. The duty and VAT guide walks through the calculation.
Inspection checklist
Fit and function: each sampled part installed in the target machine and run through power-on, boot and a stress or diagnostic test, part numbers, board revisions and connector positions compared against the original part, and firmware versions recorded so production matches the approved sample.
Genuine and new: chip markings, date codes and packaging checked against the manufacturer's data, suspect lots sent for X-ray and decapsulation using the test methods of SAE AS6171, suppliers asked for traceability to the original manufacturer or franchised distributor, and parts rejected where solder, scratches or refinished tops show previous use.
Handling and compliance: packing checked against the ESD control practice of IEC 61340-5-1, with boards in shielding bags and trays, power adapters supplied with a BS EN 62368-1 report, batteries with a UN 38.3 test summary, and a declaration under the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012 for each part number.
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What goes wrong
Computer parts fail on fit, origin and handling. Parts match the photo but not the machine revision, so connectors or screw points differ, pulled or refurbished parts are sold as new, and remarked or counterfeit chips fail early. Boards are damaged by static in poor packaging, laptop batteries arrive without UN 38.3 test summaries, and power adapters lack electrical safety evidence.
Test samples in the target machines for fit and function, check markings, date codes and signs of previous use, ask for the source of branded components, check antistatic packaging for boards, ask for the UN 38.3 test summary for every battery model and safety reports for adapters, and agree a return process for dead-on-arrival parts.
Batteries and electrical parts
Laptop batteries and power adapters bring safety and transport rules of their own: lithium battery transport tests, and electrical safety evidence for adapters. Plan the freight mode for batteries before booking, and keep WEEE obligations in mind for electrical parts sold to end users.
Cambridge China Bridge sources computer parts for repairers, refurbishers and OEMs, with part numbers, condition and packing specified and samples tested before shipment. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on computer parts from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, parts and accessories of computers carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty. Batteries, adapters and screens may classify elsewhere.
How do I make sure replacement parts fit?
Buy against the original part number and revision, ask for a compatibility list, and test a sample in the target machine first.
How can I avoid refurbished parts sold as new?
State that parts must be new and from which maker, ask how the supplier sources them, and check markings and date codes at inspection.
What packing do electronic parts need?
Electrostatic discharge protection, such as anti-static bags and trays, checked before the cartons are closed.