Sourcing crane scales from China

Crane-scale duty and classification

Heading 8423 covers weighing machinery and its parts. For crane scales, classification depends on maximum weighing capacity, electronic or non-electronic measurement, and whether the shipment contains complete scales or parts. The rows below identify relevant lines; they do not classify every separately supplied hook, shackle or load cell.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected crane-scale and parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code against the actual product specification before shipment. See weighing scales for the wider heading.

Specify capacity, fittings and intended use

Specify maximum capacity, division, agreed weighing error, display readability, tare operation, power supply and operating environment. Describe the crane hook, upper attachment, lower hook and available headroom. Agree whether readings are taken with the load stationary, and define the acceptance test using representative suspended loads.

State whether the reading determines a commercial transaction. For non-automatic scales used for that purpose, confirm the applicable conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 with the relevant weights and measures authority. Ask for documents covering the exact model and load-cell configuration; a calibration report alone does not establish that approval.

Keep weighing performance and load-bearing suitability separate in the purchase specification. Lifting equipment must have adequate strength and stability, and lifting equipment and accessories subject to the workplace lifting rules require safe working load marking. Have the proposed assembly reviewed for its intended lifting task, and arrange testing and certification before accepting the design.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of electronic crane scales for a workshop equipment distributor under 8423 82 20 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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

Weighing: compare readings with certified reference weights across the agreed range; check repeatability, tare, drift under a steady load and return to zero after unloading.

Load path: check attachment dimensions, hook closure, retaining components and visible damage. Compare the delivered fittings and safe working load markings with the agreed assembly.

Identity and documents: match model, serial identification and load cell to the supplied documents. For trade-use scales, check the approval documents and metrology marking against the delivered instrument.

Display and power: check readability from the operating position, controls, charging, battery endurance and enclosure condition. Repeat the agreed inspection checks after arrival.

What goes wrong

A scale can read correctly on a demonstration load yet drift during a prolonged lift or give inconsistent readings while the load swings. A large capacity display also says little about hook fit, headroom or the suitability of the complete suspended assembly. Agree the load arrangement and test conditions before production.

Substituted load cells, damaged retaining components, poor hook closure and moisture around charging connections can undermine acceptance. Trade approval documents may describe a different configuration. Keep the accepted sample specification, component identities and document set together, then compare the shipment against them.

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.