Sourcing diving torches from China
Diving torches powered by their own batteries and their parts carry a flat 4% UK duty from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Before selling consumer models, demonstrate compliance with product safety regulations; check depth claims and battery documentation. Cambridge China Bridge sources diving torches.
Flat 4% duty on diving torches and parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8513 covers portable electric lamps designed to function from their own energy source. Battery-powered diving torches fall within the lamps line; separately imported parts have a parts line. The table repeats the lamps code to show different diving-torch formats.
Both lines carry 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control on either line. These tariff entries do not replace product safety checks.
Confirm the commodity code using the power arrangement, product description and contents of the shipment. For other portable lamps, see torches and head torches.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable handheld diving torches | 8513 10 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Parts for diving torches | 8513 90 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify depth, beam and battery access
Specify the intended diving depth, immersion duration, beam shape, sustained light output and run time. Agree pressure-test conditions for the assembled torch, including switches, lens, battery closure and any cable entry. Ask for results identifying the tested model and its seal arrangement, rather than accepting a waterproof label alone.
Choose the battery format, charging method, glove-operated switch and attachment point. Agree seal material, spare seals and cleaning instructions. Consumer products should only be sold after compliance with product safety regulations has been demonstrated. Confirm applicable battery and WEEE obligations with the relevant authority, and ask your forwarder to confirm transport testing and shipping test-summary requirements for rechargeable lithium cells.
For Great Britain, electromagnetic compatibility rules cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, subject to exceptions. Ask the testing provider to assess the torch's driver and charging arrangement against that scope. Very bright lamps should also be assessed for photobiological safety.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 600 rechargeable handheld diving torches under 8513 10 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,900. Duty at 4% is £516. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £13,416, so it is £2,683.20. Import taxes total £3,199.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £516 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Seals and pressure: during inspection, examine seal seating, threads and lens fit, then pressure-test production samples under the agreed conditions. Inspect internally for moisture afterwards.
Switches and handling: operate controls with wet gloves, including during the agreed immersion test. Check mode selection, accidental activation and attachment security.
Output and batteries: measure sustained output and run time in the agreed operating conditions. Check battery identity, charging temperature and the lithium transport test summary against the supplied cells.
Arrival condition: check lenses, closures, cable entries and charging contacts for damage or corrosion. Compare the model, accessories, instructions and battery and WEEE markings with the approved sample and documentation.
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What goes wrong
A torch can pass a shallow immersion demonstration yet leak under the buyer's intended pressure conditions. Trapped seal material, damaged threads or a poorly seated lens can compromise the closure. Check samples after opening and resealing the battery compartment, as well as in their factory-assembled condition.
A bright opening demonstration can hide falling output or short run time. Compare sustained performance with the approved sample. Treat changes to cells, seals, switches or cable entries as reasons to repeat the relevant checks before accepting the batch.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on diving torches from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% on diving torches under 8513 10 00 00 and parts under 8513 90 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
How do I check a diving torch's depth claim?
Agree pressure and immersion conditions for the complete torch. Request model-specific results and test production samples, including after opening and resealing the battery compartment.
What paperwork should I request for lithium diving torches?
Request the lithium transport test summary for the actual cells supplied, matching battery identification and charging instructions. Confirm the shipping documents with your forwarder.
What should I specify for underwater switches?
Specify operation with wet gloves, clear mode selection and resistance to accidental activation. Check switch operation during the agreed immersion test and inspect for moisture afterwards.