Sourcing CPAP machines from China
The relevant heading 9019 lines carry 0% UK duty on CPAP machines and qualifying parts from China. For sale in Great Britain, medical devices need conformity assessment; confirm MHRA registration requirements and the Chinese manufacturer's UK Responsible Person obligations with the MHRA. Cambridge China Bridge sources CPAP machines.
CPAP tariff lines and zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 9019 includes therapeutic respiration apparatus alongside massage and mechano-therapy equipment. For CPAP machines, check the non-invasive mechanical ventilation line and the other therapeutic respiration apparatus line against the manufacturer's intended use and technical description.
The relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. The table repeats tariff lines for different purchasing categories; it does not represent separate commodity codes for fixed-pressure and auto-adjusting machines.
Confirm the commodity code separately for complete machines and separately supplied parts or accessories. See respirators and breathing apparatus for the wider heading. The medical-device requirements discussed here concern placing products on the Great Britain market.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-pressure CPAP machines, if classified as non-invasive ventilation apparatus | 9019 20 20 00 | 0% | None |
| CPAP parts, subject to confirmation of their classification | 9019 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the pressure system and regulatory identity
Specify fixed-pressure or auto-adjusting operation, the pressure settings and tolerances, ramp behaviour, leak compensation and the method used to verify delivered pressure. Agree mask and hose compatibility, humidifier configuration, cleaning instructions, filter replacements and access to spare parts. Identify the exact firmware and power supply in the approved sample.
Confirm the machine's medical-device status and classification with the MHRA based on its intended treatment or alleviation of disease. Medical devices require relevant conformity assessment; confirm registration requirements before placement on the Great Britain market and any UK Responsible Person obligations for a manufacturer outside the UK with the MHRA. Obtain the exact model's declaration of conformity, applicable certificates and test reports; check the accepted marking route before ordering.
Ask the MHRA how a Great Britain importer should notify its intention to import and who should submit the importer's details, including the roles of the manufacturer and any UK Responsible Person. Obtain written confirmation before shipment. Manufacturers must comply with the relevant product marking and conformity assessment requirements.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of CPAP machines, subject to classification confirmation under 9019 20 20 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
Identity: match the delivered model, firmware, power supply and serial markings to the approved sample and supporting documents; compare English instructions and labels with the agreed artwork.
Pressure: use an agreed bench test to check delivered pressure, ramp behaviour and leak compensation with the specified hose and mask arrangement. Record results rather than relying on the display.
Humidifier and air path: check reservoir seating, seals, leakage, cleaning access and the condition of the hose, filters and mask connections.
Operation and packing: check noise, controls, display and any specified alerts; inspect for transport damage and missing accessories. Record findings through quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A certificate for a similar machine can be mistaken for evidence covering the ordered model. Check the manufacturer, model identifiers, accessories and power supply throughout the document pack. Treat a change of firmware, blower, humidifier or supplier as a reason to review the agreed evidence before accepting production.
Potential acceptance failures include pressure readings that disagree with bench measurements, leaking reservoir seals, loose hose connections and noise that differs from the approved sample. Agree measurable acceptance criteria and a spare-parts list before production, then repeat the checks on arrival.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on CPAP machines from China?
The relevant heading 9019 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, read on 3 October 2026, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Confirm the code for the exact machine.
Does a Chinese CPAP manufacturer need a UK Responsible Person?
For medical devices intended for the Great Britain market, confirm with the MHRA whether the overseas manufacturer must appoint a UK Responsible Person and what registration is needed before placement on that market.
Who submits my CPAP importer details to the MHRA?
Confirm with the MHRA how to notify your intention to import and whether the manufacturer or UK Responsible Person should submit the importer details.
What should I test when CPAP machines arrive?
Match the model and accessories to the approved sample, bench-check delivered pressure and leak compensation, inspect humidifier seals and hose connections, and check noise, controls and packing.