Sector guides

Sourcing electric wire rope hoists from China

Electric wire rope hoists from China carry 0% UK import duty under 8425 11 00 00. For sale in Great Britain, they need machinery safety compliance, CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources electric wire rope hoists.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-31

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Electric hoists: zero duty

Heading 8425 covers pulley tackle and hoists, winches, capstans and jacks. Electric wire rope hoists for lifting goods fall under 8425 11 00 00, the electric-motor-powered hoist line. All configurations shown in the table share this tariff line.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, this line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions, steel measure or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the commodity code using the hoist specification and the scope of the supplied assembly. A complete crane needs its own classification check. For related lifting equipment within the heading, see electric chain hoists.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Fixed-mount electric wire rope hoists8425 11 00 000%None

Specify the rope, lift and mounting

Specify rated load, lifting height, lifting speed, power supply, operating frequency and indoor or outdoor conditions. Agree rope construction, diameter, grade, end termination and reeving arrangement. Obtain drawings showing mounting points, hook approach and headroom. For trolley models, specify beam compatibility, travel controls and end stops.

Before ordering, agree access to model-specific conformity documents, English instructions and static and dynamic test records. Lifting machinery needs machinery safety compliance; confirm the applicable rated load marking requirements with the relevant machinery-safety authority. For Great Britain, check CE or UKCA marking and a declaration of conformity. Match the supplied rope, motor, brake and control arrangement to the tested model.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 compact electric wire rope hoists under 8425 11 00 00, invoiced at £28,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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

Rope and drum: check rope identity against the agreed specification, end fixings, reeving, rope guide and drum grooves. Look for corrosion, kinks, crushed strands and damage from transport.

Brake and controls: arrange controlled checks by a competent lifting specialist. Check brake holding under the rated load, lifting and lowering commands, travel limits and the pendant emergency stop against the agreed test procedure.

Mounting and hook: compare fixing dimensions and trolley adjustment with the approved drawing. Check hook rotation, safety latch, guards and clearance throughout the intended movement.

Documents and identity: match the model and serial number to the declaration, test records and English manual. Check rated load marking and conformity marking. Record arrival condition through quality inspection.

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What goes wrong

A rope that does not suit the drum or guide can wind badly and suffer damage. Brake slip, incorrect reeving, ineffective limits and insufficient hook clearance can make the delivered hoist unsuitable for the job. Agree these checks before shipment and investigate faults before accepting the equipment.

A factory test certificate does not establish that a site installation is safe. Where the hoist needs assembly or installation before use, confirm with HSE whether a thorough examination is required after assembly and before use at the location, and arrange it accordingly. HSE describes thorough examination as a detailed check by a competent person who completes a written report.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UK import duty on electric wire rope hoists from China?

The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty under 8425 11 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.

Do electric wire rope hoists need CE or UKCA marking?

For sale in Great Britain, new hoists need CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions, alongside machinery safety compliance.

Can a factory test certificate replace the installation examination?

For equipment requiring assembly or installation before use, confirm with HSE whether thorough examination is required after assembly and before use at each location. Where an examination is required, obtain a competent person's written report.

What should I check when the hoists arrive?

Check rope condition and reeving, drum and rope guide, brake holding, limits, emergency stop, hook latch and mounting dimensions. Match serial numbers to the declaration, manual and test records.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008: Great Britain
  3. HSE: Safe lifting by machine
  4. HSE: Thorough examinations and inspections of lifting equipment

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