Sourcing eddy-current tachometers from China

0% duty on tachometers and their parts

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9029 covers counters, speed indicators, tachometers and stroboscopes. Eddy-current tachometers measure rotational speed through magnetic drag acting against a restoring spring. Start with the other-tachometers line, 9029 20 38 90, and confirm the classification from the instrument's function and intended use.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China on every listed line, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Other parts and accessories appear under 9029 90 00 90. The table repeats these tariff lines to distinguish instrument and replacement-part variants; they are not separate tariff subdivisions.

Give your broker the mechanism description, drive arrangement, intended use and details of any illumination or electronics when confirming the commodity code. For the wider tachometer category, see noncontact optical tachometers. The import duty and VAT guide explains the calculation.

Specify the drive and magnetic movement

Confirm that the offered instrument uses an eddy-current movement. Ask for a mechanism drawing showing the rotating magnet, drag cup and restoring spring. Specify the displayed speed range, dial units, permissible reading error, rotation direction, drive ratio, mounting orientation and panel cut-out. Match the cable end, shaft profile, thread and coupling to the equipment receiving it.

Agree calibration checks across the dial on both rising and falling speed, including pointer settling and return to rest. Specify operating temperature, vibration conditions, bearing lubrication, sealing and any illumination supply. Ask the factory to identify which movement, magnet and spring will be used in production, and retain an approved sample.

For Great Britain, assess any electrical additions against electromagnetic compatibility rules, which cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, subject to exceptions. Electrical and electronic equipment is also within hazardous-substance restriction rules unless specifically excluded. Absence of a mains connection does not by itself settle waste electrical scope. If your business qualifies as an electrical-equipment producer, annual registration is required. Arrange testing and certification around the actual design.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small batch of cable-driven eddy-current tachometers under 9029 20 38 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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

Drive fit: check the cable or shaft connection against the approved drawing and receiving equipment; inspect threads, coupling retention, alignment and free rotation.

Reading accuracy: compare samples with a calibrated reference throughout the agreed range, approaching each point from rising and falling speed; record sticking, flutter and delayed return.

Movement condition: check pointer clearance, bearing noise, drive resistance and return to rest; repeat the agreed checks after temperature conditioning and vibration testing.

Identity and packing: match the dial, rotation direction, drive ratio and model to the order; inspect glass, seals and mounting hardware, and check that packaging protects the input shaft.

What goes wrong

A matching dial does not establish a matching drive ratio. An unsuitable coupling can load the bearings or damage the cable, while incorrect rotation direction produces unusable readings. Pointer rubbing, bearing friction or a changed spring can create different readings as speed rises and falls. Compare the production movement with the approved sample rather than accepting appearance alone.

Temperature-sensitive readings, pointer flutter and transport damage can be missed by a brief bench demonstration. Define acceptance checks using the intended mounting and drive arrangement, and repeat them on arrival. Ask for raw calibration results linked to the sampled instruments. Use quality inspection to agree how those checks enter the shipment decision.

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.