Sourcing electrical contactors from China
Electrical contactors classified as relays under heading 8536 normally carry 2% UK duty from China; specified relay suspensions offer 0%, rather than a general contactor exemption. For mains-voltage models, confirm electrical safety conformity documentation and marking requirements for Great Britain with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources electrical contactors.
Contactor duty and narrowly defined suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 8536 covers switching and connecting apparatus for voltages not exceeding 1,000 V. The selected lines cover contactor classification candidates and associated control relays. Confirm the switched-circuit voltage and function from the complete datasheet; do not select a low-voltage line solely because the coil operates at a low voltage.
The selected relay lines carry 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Some have 0% suspensions restricted to specified power, photovoltaic or appliance-control relays. These are not a general exemption for contactors. The tariff attaches mercury import and export controls. For listed mercury-added switches and relays, ask your customs broker to confirm whether import into Great Britain is permitted and whether any exemption applies; obtain a mercury-free declaration and refer any mercury-containing model to your customs broker.
Match the full product description and any suspension conditions before confirming the commodity code. For the wider relay family, see electromechanical relays.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associated control relays, voltage up to 60 V and current up to 2 A | 8536 41 10 90 | 2% | None |
| Specified compact electromechanical power relays | 8536 41 90 40 | 2% | None |
| Other relays, voltage up to 60 V and current over 2 A | 8536 41 90 89 | 2% | None |
| Other relays, including contactors subject to classification, over 60 V | 8536 49 00 99 | 2% | None |
Specify the coil and the switched load separately
State the load type, operating voltage, switching current, duty cycle and required electrical endurance. Specify the coil supply, frequency where relevant, operating tolerances, pole arrangement, auxiliary contacts and whether suppression is fitted. Agree mounting dimensions, terminal positions, conductor accommodation and compatibility with the intended overload relay or mechanical interlock.
For mains-voltage contactors within the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, check technical documentation, the declaration of conformity, CE or UKCA marking and importer identification before supply in Great Britain. Equipment must also have instructions in easily understandable English. Check hazardous-substance compliance and match reports to the actual model and construction. Our testing and certification service can help review the evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5,000 compact electrical contactors, subject to code confirmation under 8536 49 00 99, invoiced at £20,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £21,500. Duty at 2% is £430. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,930, so it is £4,386. Import taxes total £4,816; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £430 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: compare model, coil marking, contact arrangement, mounting dimensions and terminal numbering with the approved drawing and sample.
Operation: test pickup and release at the agreed coil conditions; check auxiliary-contact sequencing, sticking, chatter and mechanical interlock operation.
Contacts and terminals: compare contact material and construction with the approved sample; check terminal screws, conductor clamping and contact resistance against the agreed specification.
Documents and packing: match conformity documents and test reports to the delivered model; check importer identification, English instructions, batch traceability and protection against moisture or terminal damage.
What goes wrong
A contactor can fit the panel but have the wrong coil supply or an unsuitable rating for the actual load. Substituted contacts, weak terminal clamps or a changed suppression component can make the bulk delivery behave differently from the approved sample. Freeze the bill of materials and require approval before substitutions.
A catalogue rating or certificate for a similar model does not establish the performance of the delivered contactor. Arrange sample testing under the intended load and investigate overheating, contact welding or unreliable release before accepting the batch. Keep the tested sample and its construction records for comparison with repeat orders.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electrical contactors from China?
Selected relay lines carry 2% duty, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Some specified relays qualify for 0% suspensions; ordinary contactors do not automatically qualify.
Does the coil voltage determine the contactor commodity code?
Do not classify from the coil label alone. Give your customs broker the switched-circuit voltage, contact ratings, operating function and complete datasheet.
Do contactors from China need CE or UKCA marking?
For mains-voltage contactors, confirm with the relevant authority whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations apply and what CE or UKCA marking, conformity documents and importer identification are required for Great Britain.
What should I test before accepting contactors?
Check coil pickup and release, contact resistance, auxiliary-contact sequencing, terminal clamping and operation under the intended load. Compare the delivered construction with the approved sample.