Sourcing electric door strikes from China
Electric door strikes classified in the relevant lock or part lines carry 0% UK duty from China. Confirm the classification and assess the electrical rules for the exact model before sale; a tariff code does not settle product compliance. Cambridge China Bridge sources electric door strikes.
Zero duty on the relevant lock lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 9 October 2026, heading 8301 covers base-metal locks, including electrically operated locks, and their parts. The relevant complete-lock and part lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control on the selected lines.
The table distinguishes candidate classifications for strikes and components from matching cylinder locks. It does not mean every strike fits every line. Confirm the construction, intended use and whether the shipment contains complete locks or parts through finding your commodity code. For the wider heading, see locks, padlocks and cylinders. For smart door locks, see our smart door lock sourcing guide. For window hardware, see our espagnolette window lock sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other building-door locks: candidate line for complete electric strikes | 8301 40 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Other lock parts: candidate line for separately supplied strike components | 8301 60 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other locks, where the building-door description does not apply | 8301 40 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Building-door cylinder locks supplied alongside electric strikes | 8301 40 11 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the latch interface and power-loss behaviour
Specify faceplate dimensions, fixing centres, keeper opening, latch engagement, door handing and frame material. Agree whether the strike releases or remains locked when power fails. Record supply voltage, alternating or direct current, current draw, permitted energising pattern, monitoring contacts and terminal arrangement. Test the sample with the intended latch, controller and power supply.
Assess electrical compliance by model. Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations cover most equipment operating between 50 and 1,000 volts alternating current, and 75 and 1,500 volts direct current. Electromagnetic compatibility rules cover equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, subject to exceptions. For models within hazardous-substance rules, the importer must be able to evidence compliance when OPSS requests it. Seek testing and certification support for the scope assessment.
For fire-door applications, obtain evidence covering the door assembly rather than relying on a standalone lock certificate. If your business is an electrical-equipment producer within the waste electrical-equipment rules, annual producer registration is required. Check scope before offering the strike for sale.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Mixed-carton order of complete electric door strikes, illustrative only under 8301 40 19 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £810 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,810. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,810, so it is £562. 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
Fit: check faceplate, fixing centres and keeper dimensions against the drawing; install samples in the intended frame and check latch engagement.
Operation: test release with the agreed latch preload, reconnect power and check re-latching; verify the agreed behaviour during power failure.
Coil and contacts: check current draw and temperature rise during the agreed energising pattern, and verify monitoring contacts report the actual keeper state.
Finish and identification: check corrosion protection, burrs, loose terminals and cable clearance; match carton labels and model identifiers to the approved sample and supporting documents. Use an agreed quality inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A strike may release on the bench but bind when the latch presses against its keeper. An unsuitable energising pattern can overheat the coil, while a changed faceplate or keeper can prevent installation. Test production samples in the intended door arrangement and repeat the agreed operation after warming the coil.
Confusing release-on-power-loss with remain-locked-on-power-loss produces the wrong installation behaviour. A substituted coil or monitoring switch can also change performance without changing the housing. Keep the approved wiring diagram, component specification and sample together, and check replacements against them.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electric door strikes from China?
The relevant complete-lock and lock-part lines in heading 8301 carry 0% duty from China in the supplied tariff reading. No trade remedy is recorded on these lines. Confirm the exact classification.
Should an electric strike unlock when power fails?
Specify the required power-loss behaviour for the intended installation. Ask the factory to demonstrate it with the agreed latch and power supply, and check it on production samples.
Can I use an electric strike on a fire door?
Obtain evidence covering the intended door assembly. A certificate for the strike alone does not establish the suitability of that assembly.
How do I check an electric strike before shipment?
Check fit, release under latch preload, re-latching, power-loss behaviour, coil heating and monitoring contacts. Use the intended latch and controller rather than a bench release test alone.