Sourcing electromagnetic brakes from China
Electromagnetic brakes from China carry 0% UK duty under the ordinary brake line, with no listed trade remedy. Components may need individual conformity assessment and marking, depending on their role. Specify holding or stopping duty and test release behaviour. Cambridge China Bridge sources electromagnetic brakes.
Zero duty on electromagnetic brakes
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, electromagnetic brakes under 8505 20 00 90 and other parts under 8505 90 90 90 carried 0% duty from China. These lines list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control.
Heading 8505 covers magnets, electromagnetic holding devices, couplings, clutches, brakes, lifting heads and parts. The table shows different brake types sharing the ordinary brake code, plus the other-parts line. The specialised clutch lines are not descriptions of ordinary electromagnetic brakes.
Confirm the commodity code using the assembly drawing, operating description and whether the shipment contains complete brakes or separate parts. For motor selection and the surrounding drive assembly, see electric motors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring-applied electromagnetic brakes | 8505 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other parts of electromagnetic brakes | 8505 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify holding torque and release behaviour
State whether the brake holds a stationary shaft or stops a moving load. Specify spring-applied or energised braking, holding torque, permissible stopping energy, operating speed, cycle pattern and ambient conditions. Ask the factory to distinguish static holding torque from dynamic braking performance.
Agree coil supply, current, resistance, rectifier arrangement, release time, engagement time, air gap, wear allowance and manual release. Provide drawings for the shaft bore, keyway, hub, mounting holes and friction interfaces. Test an approved sample with the intended motor and controller.
Components may need individual conformity assessment and marking. Ask the supplier to explain the proposed treatment of the brake in its intended application and provide supporting documents for review through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 20 compact electromagnetic holding brakes under 8505 20 00 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,600, so it is £720. 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
Identification and fit: match model, coil marking, shaft bore, keyway, mounting pattern and connector to the approved drawing.
Torque and release: measure holding torque and check engagement, electrical release, manual release and behaviour when power is removed.
Heat and wear: run the agreed operating cycle, record coil temperature and check torque, release behaviour and friction surfaces afterwards.
Condition and packing: check air gap, corrosion, damaged leads, loose fasteners and protection of friction faces. Record results through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A brake selected for holding can overheat or wear rapidly when repeatedly stopping a moving load. A cold torque result can hide poor performance after repeated operation. Require test records for the agreed cycle and distinguish holding tests from stopping tests.
An incorrect coil supply or rectifier arrangement can cause slow release, dragging and heat. Incorrect air gap, mounting distortion or contaminated friction faces can reduce torque or prevent clean release. Compare bulk samples with the approved assembly and repeat functional checks after installation.
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 electromagnetic brakes from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot lists 0% duty under 8505 20 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Other brake parts under 8505 90 90 90 also carry 0%.
Can a holding brake stop a moving motor?
Do not assume so. Ask for permissible stopping energy, dynamic torque and cycle limits for your application, then test the agreed operating cycle.
Does an electromagnetic brake need its own conformity marking?
Components may require individual conformity assessment and marking. Confirm the treatment of the exact brake and its intended application before ordering.
What should I send a Chinese brake factory?
Send the mounting drawing, shaft details, required torque, holding or stopping duty, coil supply, operating cycle, ambient conditions and required release behaviour.