Sourcing electric motors from China: IE3 and duty
Electric motors from China pay 0% UK duty across the common AC and DC lines, with no anti-dumping duty. Induction motors from 0.12 kW to 1,000 kW fall under the 2021 ecodesign regulations: three-phase motors of 0.75 to 1,000 kW must reach at least IE3, and 75 to 200 kW motors IE4. Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial and OEM motors with efficiency test evidence.
Electric motors pay 0% UK duty from China. Induction motors from 0.12 to 1,000 kW must meet IE2, IE3 or IE4 efficiency under the 2021 ecodesign rules.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, single-phase AC motors, multi-phase AC motors in the 750 W to 75 kW bands and other listed motor lines carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. Many specialised motors have their own ten-digit lines, so confirm the commodity code for each motor.
Motors are dense and ship well by sea; the landed price is mostly product, freight and testing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-phase AC motors up to 750 W, other | 8501 40 20 80 | 0% | None |
| Single-phase AC motors over 750 W, other | 8501 40 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Multi-phase AC motors, 750 W to 7.5 kW, other | 8501 52 20 89 | 0% | None |
| Multi-phase AC motors, 7.5 kW to 37 kW, other | 8501 52 30 90 | 0% | None |
| Multi-phase AC motors, 37 kW to 75 kW, other | 8501 52 90 90 | 0% | None |
Efficiency classes
Chapter 6 of the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations 2021 applies to induction motors without brushes, commutators, slip rings or electrical connections to the rotor, rated for 50 Hz, 60 Hz or 50/60 Hz, with 2, 4, 6 or 8 poles, a rated voltage above 50 V up to 1,000 V and a rated power from 0.12 kW to 1,000 kW, rated for continuous duty and direct on-line operation. It also covers three-phase-input variable speed drives used with those motors.
Schedule 16 sets the minimum efficiency. Ask for the efficiency test report for each rating, and check the IE class and nameplate data on production motors at inspection; a motor sold into markets without these rules may be a lower class with the same frame.
| Motor | Minimum efficiency class | From |
|---|---|---|
| Three-phase, 0.75 kW to 1,000 kW | IE3 | 1 July 2021 |
| Three-phase, 75 kW to 200 kW | IE4 | 1 July 2023 |
| Three-phase, 0.12 kW to 0.75 kW | IE2 | 1 July 2021 |
| Single-phase, 0.12 kW and above | IE2 | 1 July 2023 |
Specification and testing
A motor order is a list of numbers: power, voltage, frequency, poles, frame size, mounting, protection rating, insulation class and duty cycle. Put them all in the product specification with the nameplate you expect, because a motor that fits the frame but not the duty will fail in service.
Brushless DC motors and motors for OEM products are outside the induction motor scope but are often bought on efficiency too; ask for the test method behind any efficiency or torque figure.
Supply continuity
OEM buyers need the same motor for years. Ask the factory how long it will build the same design, how it notifies changes to laminations, windings or bearings, and keep an approved sample for comparison.
Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial and OEM electric motors to a written specification, with efficiency test evidence and production inspection before shipment. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electric motors from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, the common single-phase and multi-phase AC motor lines carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Which efficiency class must motors meet in the UK?
Under Schedule 16 of the 2021 Ecodesign Regulations: IE3 for three-phase motors of 0.75 to 1,000 kW, IE4 for 75 to 200 kW, and IE2 for small three-phase and single-phase motors.
Which motors does the ecodesign regulation cover?
Induction motors of 0.12 to 1,000 kW with 2 to 8 poles, above 50 V up to 1,000 V, for continuous duty and direct on-line operation, and three-phase-input variable speed drives.
What should a motor specification include?
Power, voltage, frequency, poles, frame size, mounting, protection rating, insulation class, duty cycle and the expected nameplate.