Sourcing conductivity meters from China
Conductivity meters from China carry 0% UK duty under 9027 89 30 00; relevant parts also carry 0%. For electronic meters sold in Great Britain, electromagnetic compatibility compliance is a key check: importers must withhold apparatus they believe is non-compliant. Cambridge China Bridge sources conductivity meters.
Conductivity meters: 0% UK duty
Heading 9027 covers physical and chemical analysis instruments. Its conductivity line is 9027 89 30 00, which also covers acidity and oxidation-reduction meters. Handheld, benchtop and pen-style conductivity meters share this line; these are product formats, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. For electronic component testing, see our LCR meter sourcing guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, conductivity meters and the parts line shown here carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the meter's functions and the contents of the shipment. Classify separately supplied probes and accessories from their actual description rather than assuming they use the finished meter's code. See the acidity meter guide for related instruments within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld conductivity meters | 9027 89 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories for conductivity meters, subject to classification | 9027 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the probe and temperature compensation
State the sample type, conductivity range, displayed units, accuracy, resolution and operating temperature. Specify the probe material, cell constant, cable length, connector and whether the probe is replaceable. Agree whether temperature compensation can be switched off, its reference temperature and the correction method. Ask for calibration records tied to the supplied meter and probe.
For electronic meters supplied in Great Britain, review electromagnetic compatibility evidence for the exact configuration. Importers must not supply apparatus they consider non-compliant with the essential requirements. Under hazardous-substance guidance, individual products must show the importer's name or trademark and a contactable address on the product or packaging. Arrange testing and certification around the actual model.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of handheld conductivity meters for a laboratory supplier under 9027 89 30 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Readings: compare sampled meters with reference solutions across the agreed range, recording solution temperature and compensation settings. Check repeatability after rinsing and moving between samples.
Probe: check cell identification, electrode condition, connector fit and cable strain relief. Confirm replacement probes work with the meter and that the supplied cell constant matches its settings.
Temperature: compare the temperature reading with a reference thermometer and repeat conductivity checks with compensation enabled and disabled.
Delivery: check model identification, importer details, manuals, calibration records and ordered accessories. Test battery operation and any supplied power adaptor. Repeat functional checks on arrival; use quality inspection to agree the sampling and acceptance criteria.
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What goes wrong
A meter can appear accurate in the factory's calibration solution yet fail in the buyer's sample. Wrong cell constants, unsuitable probe materials, contaminated electrodes and different compensation settings can produce misleading readings. Specify the intended application and test the complete meter-and-probe combination before approving production.
Check that the conformity evidence identifies the supplied model, probe and power arrangement. Separately, electrical-equipment producers must register annually; check your producer status before selling imported meters in the UK. Keep calibration checks separate from product-compliance checks.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on conductivity meters from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty under 9027 89 30 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached control on that line.
Can I replace a conductivity meter's probe?
Specify a replaceable probe and confirm its connector, cell constant and compatibility. Test the replacement with the meter using reference solutions before accepting it.
What should a conductivity calibration record show?
Ask for meter and probe identification, reference solution details, solution temperature, compensation settings, readings and the agreed acceptance criteria.
Why do conductivity meters give different readings?
Check displayed units, cell constants, solution temperature and compensation settings. Also check for contamination, trapped bubbles and whether the probe suits the sample.