Sourcing electric harps from China
Electric harps from China whose sound must be amplified electrically carry 2% UK duty, with no recorded trade remedy. Check the instrument's classification and, for powered models and mains adapters, electrical compliance before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources electric harps.
Electric harp classification and duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9207 covers instruments whose sound is produced, or must be amplified, electrically. For electric harps requiring amplification, check the other-instruments line, 9207 90 90 00. The table shows harp configurations sharing that line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. Do not assume an acoustic harp belongs here simply because a pickup is included.
The supplied record gives 2% duty for Chinese-origin goods, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. This line lists a DCMS Export Licence flag, rather than an import control. Official guidance states that importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain has no licensing requirement under that regime; the export flag should be checked separately if the instrument is later exported.
Confirm the commodity code using the harp's construction, sound production and amplification needs. Give your broker the model specification and details of separately supplied amplifiers and accessories. See the electric violins guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid-body electric lever harps requiring amplification | 9207 90 90 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the strings, levers and pickup system
Specify string count, pitch range, string material, spacing, tension, lever or pedal mechanism, tuning pins, frame material and playing position. Agree whether the harp requires amplification or has a usable acoustic sound. Approve a playing sample through the amplifier and cable arrangement your customers will use.
Define pickup coverage, balance between strings, output connection, cable routing and any preamp, battery or adapter. For Great Britain, confirm with the relevant product safety authority what electrical safety and conformity evidence is required for the mains-powered equipment and adapters supplied. Electromagnetic compatibility rules cover equipment liable to generate disturbance, subject to exceptions. Assess powered electronics against that scope rather than treating every passive pickup as identical.
Electrical equipment within the safety regulations must have easily understandable English instructions. Electrical and electronic equipment producers must register annually under the waste-equipment regime. Match the compliance evidence to the supplied electronics and adapter; arrange testing and certification checks before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A pair of electric lever harps for a trial order, illustrative only under 9207 90 90 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,200. Duty at 2% is £144. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,344, so it is £1,468.80. Import taxes total £1,612.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £144 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Strings and tuning: play every string gently and firmly, check tuning holds after settling, and compare lever or pedal operation against the approved sample.
Amplified sound: check string-to-string balance, weak notes, hum and crackle through the agreed amplifier; move the cable gently to reveal loose sockets.
Structure and finish: inspect neck, pillar, joints, tuning pins and strap or stand attachments for movement, cracks, rough edges and finish damage.
Documents and packing: match electronics and adapter details to the compliance evidence, check instructions, and examine padding around the neck, column and controls. Repeat the playing checks on arrival using the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Check for uneven pickup response, slipping tuning pins, levers that buzz or alter pitch inconsistently, and sockets that crackle when the cable moves. A sample played acoustically can hide problems that become obvious through amplification. Record the approved sample's amplified sound and setup for comparison.
Long frames and projecting levers can be damaged when the carton allows movement. Agree supports that protect the structure without pressing on strings or controls, and recheck tuning, joints and output after unpacking. Treat changes to pickups, preamps and adapters as changes to the specification and review the associated evidence.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electric harps from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 2% under 9207 90 90 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. Confirm that the harp's sound must be amplified electrically.
Is an acoustic harp with a pickup an electric harp for customs?
A pickup alone does not establish the classification. Give your broker the construction and sound-production details, including whether amplification is necessary, before confirming the code.
What should I ask the Chinese harp factory to specify?
Ask for string range and material, spacing, tension, lever or pedal action, tuning-pin construction, frame material, pickup coverage, output connection and any preamp or power supply.
How do I inspect an electric harp before shipment?
Play every string through the agreed amplifier, compare output balance, test levers or pedals, check tuning stability and sockets, and inspect joints and packing. Repeat these checks on arrival.