Sourcing crawler cranes from China
Crawler cranes from China pay 0% UK import duty across the relevant self-propelled tariff lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the applicable machinery supply requirements with the relevant authority, including conformity documentation, marking and English instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources crawler cranes.
Crawler crane duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8426 covers cranes and related lifting machinery. Self-propelled crawler cranes fall within its machinery other than on tyres. New cable-controlled or hydraulic-powered mobile cranes with lifting capacity of at least 30 tonnes are described under 8426 49 00 11; other self-propelled crawler cranes fall under 8426 49 00 90.
Both relevant codes carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for either code. The table separates lattice-boom and telescopic models, so each tariff code appears against different crane configurations.
Confirm the commodity code using the propulsion system, lifting capacity, operating mechanism and whether the crane is new. Send your broker the specification and photographs before shipment. See the wider crane guide for other crane families.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| New self-propelled lattice-boom crawler cranes, capacity at least 30 tonnes | 8426 49 00 11 | 0% | None |
| Other self-propelled lattice-boom crawler cranes | 8426 49 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the boom, tracks and lifting configuration
Specify lattice or telescopic boom, lifting capacity at the required working radius, lifting height, counterweight arrangement, track width and transport configuration. Ask for load charts covering the exact boom, jib, counterweights and track positions ordered. Agree ground-pressure information, wind limits, assembly instructions and the lifting configurations permitted while travelling.
For supply in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable essential health and safety requirements of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and the requirements for conformity marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. CE or UKCA marking can be used under the applicable conformity route. Check the documentation against the actual machine rather than accepting a certificate for a similar model.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: a compact self-propelled telescopic crawler crane below 30 tonnes capacity under 8426 49 00 90, invoiced at £48,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £53,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £53,000, so it is £10,600. 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
Boom and structure: inspect boom sections, welds, pins and retaining devices against the drawings. On arrival, check for transport damage, corrosion, bent lattice members and damaged telescopic sliding surfaces.
Tracks and hydraulics: check track shoes, rollers, sprockets and tension adjustment. Demonstrate travel, steering and slewing; inspect hydraulic hoses, cylinders and connections for leaks.
Controls and load charts: have the factory demonstrate brakes, emergency stops, limit switches and overload protection under an agreed test procedure. Match the selected load chart to the fitted boom, counterweights and track position.
Documents and shipment: match the machine identity to the declaration, English manual and test records. Reconcile dismantled boom sections, counterweights, pins and accessories with the packing list. Use the inspection guide to define recorded checks.
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What goes wrong
A headline lifting capacity can hide inadequate capacity at the buyer's working radius. The delivered counterweights or boom sections may differ from the load chart, while missing pins, damaged hoses or worn undercarriage parts can delay assembly. Record the complete configuration in the purchase specification and check it again on arrival.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether a thorough examination is required before first use where safety depends on installation; do not rely solely on factory acceptance checks. Arrange UK assembly and a competent examiner before dispatch, and plan subsequent examinations. Resolve missing conformity documents and mismatched load charts before putting the crane into service.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on crawler cranes from China?
The relevant codes, 8426 49 00 11 and 8426 49 00 90, carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code covers a crawler crane?
New self-propelled cable-controlled or hydraulic mobile cranes with capacity of at least 30 tonnes use 8426 49 00 11. Other self-propelled crawler cranes use 8426 49 00 90. Confirm the specification with your broker.
What documents should a Chinese crawler crane supplier provide?
Check the declaration of conformity, conformity marking and English instructions, plus load charts and test records for the delivered configuration.
Does an imported crawler crane need examination before use?
Where safety depends on installation, confirm with the relevant authority whether a thorough examination is required before first use. Arrange assembly and a competent examiner in the UK, rather than relying solely on factory checks.