Sourcing deep-groove ball bearings from China

Normally 8% on complete bearings

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, complete ball bearings within heading 8482 carried 8% duty on goods from China. Loose bearing balls under the selected parts line carried 6%. Deep-groove bearings are part of this heading; see the wider ball and roller bearings guide.

The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The ball-bearing lines have 0% authorised-use suspensions for specified goods and uses, including listed motor bearings and double-row bearing products. These are not blanket relief for ordinary replacement stock. Goods imported under authorised use must be used for a specific purpose. Ask your customs broker to check the complete suspension description before claiming relief.

The table includes complete bearings and manufacturing parts, which need separate classification. Confirm the greatest external diameter, whether the shipment contains complete bearings or loose parts, and any special-use description against the commodity code guide. Do not select a suspension line from the factory's bearing designation alone.

Specify clearance, closures and grease

Write the bearing designation alongside bore, outside diameter and width. Agree the tolerance class, radial internal clearance, ring and ball material, cage material, and whether the bearing is open, shielded or sealed. Use ISO 492 when specifying the tolerance class rather than accepting an undefined claim of precision.

State the application's load, speed, operating temperature and exposure to water or dust. Agree grease type and fill, seal construction, and noise or vibration acceptance criteria for motor applications. Keep an approved sample and a written specification so repeat batches can be compared with the same requirements.

Verify branded bearings' authenticity before purchase. If bearings carry another brand's mark, confirm the supplier's authorisation and ask the relevant authority about any trade mark implications before selling them. Factory-brand or unbranded supply still needs material, hardness and inspection records.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed stock order of deep-groove ball bearings for a bearing distributor under 8482 10 90 00, 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

Dimensions and clearance: measure bore, outside diameter, width and radial internal clearance on samples from each batch against the ordered specification.

Steel and running behaviour: compare material and hardness records with the order; check smooth rotation and test motor bearings for noise or vibration against agreed limits.

Closures and lubrication: open samples to check grease fill and cleanliness; inspect shields and seals for damage, seating and rubbing.

Marking and arrival condition: match bearing and carton markings to the order and batch records; inspect for rust, damaged packaging and mixed designations before releasing stock.

What goes wrong

Bearings with the correct outside dimensions can still have the wrong clearance, grease or seals. Tight clearance and rubbing seals can cause heat and noise. Contamination in the grease, poor heat treatment and damaged raceways can cause early failure. A smooth hand spin alone does not establish suitability for the application.

Moisture during transport can corrode rings, while mixed cartons can put the wrong bearing into a repair. Agree rust protection and batch identification before dispatch, then keep suspect stock separate on arrival. Use quality inspection to plan checks against the written specification.

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.