Sourcing Cordless Screwdrivers from China

UK duty on cordless screwdrivers

Heading 8467 covers tools for working in the hand, including tools with self-contained electric motors and their parts. For cordless screwdrivers, check 8467 29 20 00. The table separates buying configurations sharing that code. Other separately imported tool parts may fall under 8467 99 00 90, subject to classification. For drill-driver configurations and the wider heading, see cordless drills.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 13 December 2026, complete cordless tools under the selected line carry 2% duty for goods from China; the selected parts line carries 0%. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Give your customs broker the tool's function, drive mechanism, power supply and supplied accessories. Identify whether it is a dedicated screwdriver, a drill-driver or a separately imported component. Confirm the classification using finding your commodity code.

Specify torque control and the battery configuration

State the screw types, workpiece material, pilot-hole preparation and required seating result. Specify adjustable clutch or automatic shut-off, speed control, forward and reverse operation, bit-holder dimensions and retention. Distinguish controlled fastening from impact operation. Agree a loaded trial that checks seating consistency, stripped threads and damage to screw heads.

Define integral or removable batteries, pack identification, charging connection, supplied charger and UK plug where relevant. Confirm replacement batteries, bit holders and service parts. Test runtime using the agreed fastening task rather than an unloaded demonstration.

For supply in Great Britain, obtain the exact model's declaration of conformity, English instructions, conformity marking and supporting technical evidence. Machinery must be safe before it is placed on the market or put into service. Check which electrical, electromagnetic compatibility and battery obligations apply to the delivered configuration.

For electrical-equipment producer responsibilities, check annual registration before resale. Review hazardous-substance compliance evidence and the required importer name or trademark and contactable address on the product or packaging. Use testing and certification support to review the supplied documents.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 52 cordless screwdrivers with integral batteries; FOB value and freight are illustrative under 8467 29 20 00, invoiced at £2,025 free on board, with £468 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,493. Duty at 2% is £49.86. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,542.86, so it is £508.57. Import taxes total £558.43; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £49.86 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fastening: repeat the agreed task with the specified screws, bits and material; compare seating consistency, clutch release and screw-head damage.

Bit holder and controls: check bit fit, retention, spindle wobble, direction selection and trigger operation against the approved sample.

Battery and charging: match pack and charger identities; check connection security, charging operation, loaded runtime and abnormal heating.

Identity and documents: match model markings, supplied accessories, importer details, declaration, English instructions and reports to the delivered configuration.

What goes wrong

A headline torque claim can hide poor control at the screw's seating point. An inconsistent clutch can leave screws proud or damage threads, while a loose bit holder can spoil access and positioning. Keep an approved sample and repeat the same fastening task on production tools.

A substituted battery or charger can change runtime, fit and the configuration covered by the documents. Agree how substitutions are reviewed before shipment. Check replacement availability and reject unexplained model mismatches pending review.

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.