Sourcing coordinate measuring machines from China

Duty and classification for coordinate measuring machines

Heading 9031 covers measuring and checking equipment not specified elsewhere. Coordinate measuring machines measuring geometrical quantities fall within 9031 80 20 00. Bridge and gantry variants share this line; the table also includes an optical-instrument line and parts for buyers comparing separately supplied equipment.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, the selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension. The geometrical-measurement and optical lines have no listed import control. The parts line has a fluorinated greenhouse gas import control attached; confirm its requirements for the actual Chinese shipment with your customs broker.

Confirm the commodity code from the measurement method, machine function and separately supplied components. An optical sensor does not by itself settle the classification of a complete machine. See the wider measuring and inspection guide for other equipment in this heading. For leak testing equipment, see our pressure decay leak tester sourcing guide.

Specify the measuring volume, probes and room

Specify usable measuring travel, maximum workpiece size and weight, probing system, stylus combinations and access to difficult features. Agree length measurement error and probing error against the relevant ISO 10360 tests, rather than accepting an accuracy figure without its test conditions.

Ask for the room temperature conditions, air supply specification and installation requirements behind the quoted accuracy. List the controller, computer, probe heads, fixtures, software licences and report formats in the order. Test software exports using your own parts and drawings.

For powered machines, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable machinery, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility evidence requirements and whether UKCA or CE marking is appropriate. Machinery must be safe before it is placed on the Great Britain market or put into service. Keep conformity documents separate from calibration results: they answer different questions.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of four bridge-type coordinate measuring machines under 9031 80 20 00, invoiced at £120,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £126,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £126,000, so it is £25,200. 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

Accuracy: witness length measurement and repeatability tests against ISO 10360-2 and probing tests against ISO 10360-5, using calibrated reference artefacts. Record room conditions and repeat acceptance checks after installation.

Probes and software: reconcile supplied heads, styli and fixtures with the order; run your inspection programme and check report exports, licence activation and backup arrangements.

Packing and arrival: check shipping locks, shock and tilt indicators, granite, air bearings and probe mounts. Record damage before unpacking and follow the maker's installation instructions.

Documents: match the machine identity to its declaration, safety evidence, calibration certificate and software records. Use the inspection guide to organise factory and site acceptance.

What goes wrong

A machine can meet its accuracy claim at the factory and fail after transport or installation. Unlocked axes, jolted air bearings and a room outside the agreed temperature conditions can undermine repeatability. Agree the packing method and site acceptance test before ordering.

Missing probe options, licences tied to a computer and reports that cannot enter your quality system can leave a usable machine idle. Include the complete measurement workflow in acceptance, with probe spares and responsibility for recalibration settled in writing.

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.