Sourcing DRAM memory chips from China
DRAM memory chips from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no recorded trade remedies. Business-to-business component sales are outside the RoHS Regulations; finished equipment has separate obligations. Specify the exact part and test traceable lots. Cambridge China Bridge sources DRAM memory chips.
DRAM chip duty and classification
Heading 8542 covers electronic integrated circuits. Ordinary DRAM chips divide by storage capacity: not exceeding 512 Mbits or exceeding 512 Mbits. The specialist memory categories in the table are conditional alternatives for products meeting their tariff description, rather than additional capacity bands. This guide covers chips supplied as components, rather than assembled memory modules.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant memory lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT; see import duty and VAT.
Your import declaration must include the commodity code. Confirm the commodity code using the maker's datasheet, storage capacity and package construction. For other chip families, see the integrated circuits and chips guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRAM chips with storage capacity not exceeding 512 Mbits | 8542 32 31 00 | 0% | None |
| DRAM chips with storage capacity exceeding 512 Mbits | 8542 32 39 00 | 0% | None |
| Special-category memories: multi-component integrated circuits | 8542 32 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Special-category memories: other integrated circuits | 8542 32 19 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the DRAM part and board compatibility
Name the manufacturer and complete part number, including the speed and temperature suffixes. Specify storage capacity, memory interface, data width, operating voltage, timing requirements, package dimensions and terminal layout. Match these to the receiving board and memory controller. Require approval before any substitution, even where the replacement has the same capacity.
State whether you accept only new parts and require original reel or tray labels, lot numbers and supply-chain records. Agree electrical testing against the datasheet, including memory-pattern and retention checks at the ordered temperature grade.
Component parts sold business to business are outside the RoHS Regulations. Confirm the hazardous-substance requirements applicable to finished equipment with the relevant authority. Ask for part-specific material declarations and supporting reports for the finished-product compliance file.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 50,000 DRAM chips for a business assembly order; illustrative values under 8542 32 39 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,600, so it is £8,120. 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
Identity: match package markings, part-number suffixes, reel labels and lot records to the approved order; investigate mixed markings or signs of remarking.
Electrical performance: test capacity, data integrity, retention and timing against the datasheet and agreed board conditions, including the ordered temperature grade.
Packing: check sealed moisture barrier bags, desiccant, humidity indicators and packing dates; inspect terminals for damage and maintain protection against electrostatic discharge.
Traceability: reconcile delivered quantities and lot numbers with the paperwork, check material declarations against the exact part number and retain samples from each lot.
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What goes wrong
A substitute can have the right capacity but incompatible timings, voltage, terminal layout or temperature grade. Remarked and reclaimed chips may pass a basic memory check yet fail under sustained use or at temperature extremes. Compare the full part number with the approved datasheet and use the intended board during sample approval.
Broken dry packing can allow moisture damage during soldering. Mixed lots make failures harder to trace. Hold suspect stock separately, document the labels and packing condition, and agree further electrical or authenticity testing before releasing it to assembly.
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 DRAM chips from China?
The relevant memory lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff snapshot, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.
How do I avoid counterfeit DRAM chips?
Prefer the maker's authorised distribution channels. For broker stock, obtain original labels and traceable lot records, then agree authenticity screening and electrical tests before acceptance.
Do business-to-business DRAM chips fall under RoHS?
Component parts sold business to business are outside the RoHS Regulations. The finished equipment has separate obligations, so obtain material evidence for the exact chip supplied.
Can I use the same commodity code for memory modules?
Do not assume so. Assembled memory modules are different goods from individual DRAM chips. Confirm classification from the module's construction and function before declaring it.