Sourcing crossed roller bearings from China
Crossed roller bearings from China normally carry 8% UK duty; separately imported parts can carry 0% to 8%, depending on classification and suspension eligibility. Confirm the commodity code from the bearing construction, rather than its catalogue name. Cambridge China Bridge sources crossed roller bearings.
Bearing assemblies and separate parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, heading 8482 covers ball or roller bearings. The table separates potentially relevant assembly lines from separately imported rolling elements and other parts. It does not establish the classification of every crossed roller design. For the wider heading, see ball and roller bearings. For needle bearings, see our needle roller bearing sourcing guide.
The assembly lines shown carry 8% duty for goods from China, and the separate rolling-element line carries 6%. Other bearing parts under 8482 99 00 90 have an 8% base rate with a 0% suspension. The cylindrical-bearing line has a restricted authorised-use suspension for specified nuclear reactor control machinery. These suspensions are not a general exemption for crossed roller bearings. No anti-dumping measure is recorded for these selected lines.
The selected lines have no import controls recorded in the supplied tariff extract. You must include the commodity code on the import declaration. Give your broker the section drawing, roller geometry, ring arrangement and details of whether the shipment contains complete bearings or loose parts. Confirm the commodity code before ordering.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other cylindrical roller bearings and cage-and-roller assemblies | 8482 50 00 90 | 8% | None |
| Other bearings, including combined ball-and-roller bearings | 8482 80 00 90 | 8% | None |
| Other balls, needles and rollers supplied separately | 8482 91 90 90 | 6% | None |
| Other bearing parts, including rings and cages | 8482 99 00 90 | 8% | None |
Specify preload, ring construction and mounting
Agree a section drawing showing the crossed roller arrangement, bore, outside diameter, width, mounting holes and which ring is split. State whether the bearing has integral mounting holes or needs separate retaining flanges. Specify the radial, axial and moment loads, operating speed, positioning accuracy and mounting arrangement for the intended machine.
Agree preload or clearance, permitted starting and running torque, radial and axial runout, lubricant, seals and operating conditions. Ask the factory to record the mounting conditions used for its measurements. A catalogue designation alone does not establish interchangeability: compare the drawing and test results with the existing bearing and housing.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of crossed roller bearings, assuming classification is confirmed under 8482 50 00 90, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £37,500. Duty at 8% is £3,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,500, so it is £8,100. Import taxes total £11,100; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Drawing and fit: check bore, outside diameter, width, mounting-hole positions, ring construction and identification against the approved drawing.
Preload and rotation: measure starting and running torque using the agreed mounting fixture, and check for tight spots, roughness and play throughout rotation.
Accuracy and materials: check radial and axial runout under the agreed mounting conditions; match steel and hardness records to the delivered batch.
Lubrication and packing: check seals, lubricant, cleanliness, rust protection and batch markings on arrival. Compare the shipment with the retained approved sample; plan quality inspection before dispatch.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A bearing can match the catalogue dimensions yet bind after installation. Incorrect preload, uneven clamping or a distorted mounting surface can change torque and positioning performance. Agree the housing fit, flange arrangement and tightening method with the factory, then inspect the bearing in a representative fixture.
Poor grinding, inconsistent heat treatment or contamination can cause rough running and early wear. Rust can damage raceways during transport. Check branded bearings for authenticity: if you suspect counterfeiting, confirm the legal position with the relevant authority before selling them. Keep the approved drawing, inspection records and batch identification together when investigating failures.
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 crossed roller bearings from China?
Normally 8% for complete bearings. Separate rolling elements shown carry 6%; other bearing parts have an 8% base rate with a 0% suspension. Confirm classification and suspension eligibility.
Which commodity code covers crossed roller bearings?
Check the construction against the cylindrical roller and other-bearing lines. The catalogue name alone is insufficient; send the section drawing and shipment contents to your customs broker.
Can I replace a branded crossed roller bearing with a factory version?
Compare the drawing, ring construction, mounting holes, preload, torque and runout. Approve a sample in the intended mounting arrangement before accepting it as interchangeable.
How should I inspect crossed roller bearings?
Check dimensions, mounting holes, runout and rotational torque under agreed mounting conditions. Review material and hardness records, then inspect lubrication, seals, cleanliness and rust protection.