Sourcing electric kettles from China
Domestic electric kettles from China carry 2% UK duty under 8516 79 70 90, with no anti-dumping duty shown. Confirm the electrical safety requirements for mains-powered kettles before sale in Great Britain with the relevant authority. Match the model and components to its conformity documents. Cambridge China Bridge sources electric kettles.
UK duty on electric kettles and separate parts
Heading 8516 covers domestic electrothermic appliances, including electric kettles. Complete domestic kettles sit under 8516 79 70 90. The table also includes separate heating elements and other appliance parts for buyers sourcing spares; those codes depend on the construction and identity of the individual part.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 10 October 2026, the selected lines carried 2% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty, or attached import controls, is recorded for these lines. Complete kettles have no recorded suspension. The other-parts line has a suspension restricted to a described microwave cavity assembly; it does not provide relief for ordinary kettle spares.
Confirm the commodity code against the complete kettle or separately imported component specification. For other products within this heading, see own-brand small appliances. For salon appliances, see our guide to sourcing salon hair dryers and straighteners.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic electric kettles | 8516 79 70 90 | 2% | None |
| Separate heating resistors assembled with an insulated former | 8516 80 20 90 | 2% | None |
| Other separate heating resistors | 8516 80 80 90 | 2% | None |
| Other appliance parts, subject to classification of the individual part | 8516 90 00 99 | 2% | None |
Specify the kettle, base and water-contact materials
Specify usable capacity, rated power, supply voltage, body material, lid opening, water-level indication, spout and removable filter. Name the steel grade and the polymers and seals touching hot water. Agree the base connector, cord storage and packaging that keeps the kettle and base together. Keep an approved sample for comparison with production.
Lock the element, thermostat, boil shut-off, thermal cut-out, cable and plug models. Require written approval for substitutions. Confirm with the relevant authority the application of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 to mains-powered kettles and the declaration of conformity, CE or UKCA marking and importer-identification requirements for Great Britain. The importer must ensure that instructions are in easily understandable English.
Water-contact surfaces need food-contact compliance supported by a declaration and documentary evidence. Ask for evidence matching the actual materials and hot-water use. Electrical equipment, including cables and spare parts, is also within the hazardous-substance rules unless specifically excluded. Arrange testing and certification around the production configuration.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 own-brand electric kettles; values are illustrative, not a quote under 8516 79 70 90, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £2,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £38,400. Duty at 2% is £768. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £39,168, so it is £7,833.60. Import taxes total £8,601.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £768 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Components: compare sampled units with the approved element, thermostat, cut-out, cable, plug and base connector list.
Operation: fill and boil samples, check automatic shut-off, lid retention and pouring, and have a competent tester verify dry-boil protection without bypassing safeguards.
Leaks and finish: check the water window, seams and seals, loose handles, sharp edges, filter fit and damage to glass or coatings.
Documents and packing: match the model, rating label, conformity documents and English instructions; check that each carton contains the correct base. Repeat checks on arrival. See quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A kettle can resemble the approved sample while containing a different thermostat or connector. A generic appliance report does not establish that the delivered configuration matches the tested product. Photograph component markings during inspection and reconcile them with the approved list before shipment.
Leaks around the water window, a lid that opens during pouring and unreliable boil shut-off are practical rejection points. Write acceptance criteria into the order and retain faulty samples and batch details. A boiling demonstration alone does not check electrical safety or food-contact compliance.
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 electric kettles from China?
Domestic electric kettles under 8516 79 70 90 carry 2% duty in the supplied tariff reading, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Do electric kettles need CE or UKCA marking?
For sale in Great Britain, confirm the CE or UKCA marking and declaration of conformity requirements for mains-powered kettles under the electrical safety rules with the relevant authority. Match the documents to the actual model.
What food-contact evidence should I request for a kettle?
Request a food-contact declaration and supporting evidence for the actual body, water window, filter and seals touching water. Specify the materials and intended hot-water use.
Can the factory change the kettle thermostat?
Require written approval before changing it. Compare the proposed component and revised product configuration with the test evidence before accepting production.