Sourcing computer trackballs from China

UK duty on computer trackballs

Heading 8471 covers automatic data-processing machines and their units. Complete computer trackballs are pointing input devices: the relevant candidate line is 8471 60 70 00, other input or output units. The table shows different trackball configurations sharing that line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for that line. Standard import VAT is 20%; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the finished product's commodity code against its function and the supplied configuration before declaring it. For the wider pointing-device family, see computer mice.

Specify the ball, buttons and connection

Agree thumb-operated or finger-operated layout, handedness, ball diameter, support bearings, cursor sensitivity, scroll mechanism and button functions. Specify cable connector and length, receiver storage, battery arrangement and supported operating systems. Ask whether button remapping needs software and whether settings remain available on a different computer.

For Great Britain, check the electromagnetic compatibility conformity route for wired models. Wireless trackballs must conform with the essential radio equipment requirements before being placed on the market. Electrical equipment is subject to hazardous-substance restrictions unless excluded. Importers supplying trackballs for resale must also arrange annual electrical-equipment producer registration.

Keep an approved working sample and agree that changes to the sensor, bearings, switches, radio module or firmware need your approval. Match the compliance documents to the finished configuration; testing and certification support can help organise that review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: a batch of wired computer trackballs for business resale 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

Ball movement: check slow cursor movement, diagonal tracking and direction changes against the approved sample. Look for sticking, rough bearings and cursor jumps.

Buttons and scroll: check each assigned function, unwanted repeated clicks, scroll direction and settings after reconnecting the device.

Connection and power: check recognition on the agreed computers, receiver pairing, wireless reconnection and any charging function. Inspect cable strain relief and battery contacts.

Arrival condition: check ball retention, housing fit, receiver inclusion, model identification and agreement between the supplied documents and the actual product. Use a written inspection checklist.

What goes wrong

A sample can feel smooth while production units use different bearings or ball finishes. Dust around the sensor, uneven ball support and excessive button force can make precise pointing difficult. Compare production samples directly with the approved unit, including ball removal and cleaning.

Compatibility problems often appear when remapping software is unavailable on the buyer's computers, receivers are mixed between cartons or settings disappear after reconnection. Agree the driver, firmware and receiver configuration before production, and test the supplied package rather than a factory demonstration unit.

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.