Sourcing lifting electromagnets from China

Zero duty on electromagnetic lifting heads

Heading 8505 includes electromagnetic lifting heads as well as permanent magnets, magnetic holding devices, couplings, clutches, brakes and parts. This guide concerns powered lifting magnets. The table separates lifting-head applications sharing the same code; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, electromagnetic lifting heads under 8505 90 50 90 and other parts under 8505 90 90 90 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawings, function and supplied assembly, especially when ordering separate parts or a complete handling system. For the wider heading, see neodymium and ferrite magnets.

Specify the load and power system

Give the factory the load material, mass, thickness, shape, surface condition and handling orientation. Specify whether the application is plate, bar, pipe or loose scrap. Ask for capacity tables tied to your load conditions rather than accepting a pull-force figure without its test conditions.

Agree the supply voltage, current, duty cycle, cable arrangement, suspension drawing and permitted operating temperature. Ask the supplier to document power requirements, backup arrangements and the response to loss of supply. Include the controller and any backup battery explicitly in the purchase specification.

For new lifting machinery placed on the Great Britain market, HSE states that UKCA or CE marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English are required. Match the documents to the actual magnet and controller supplied. Arrange testing and certification around that assembly.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 electromagnetic lifting heads for a steel workshop under 8505 90 50 90, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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

Identity: match the model, serial identification, markings, declaration and instructions to the delivered assembly and purchase specification.

Structure: inspect the pole face, housing, suspension points, retaining bolts and cable supports for damage and agreement with the approved drawings.

Electrical system: have a qualified tester compare coil resistance, insulation, connectors, controller functions and backup condition with the agreed acceptance criteria.

Performance: arrange a controlled acceptance test using representative load surfaces and the agreed operating conditions. Record holding and release behaviour, warnings and backup operation. Include these checks in the inspection plan.

What goes wrong

A successful demonstration on a clean, thick steel block can conceal poor performance on the buyer's actual plate, pipe or scrap. Treat surface gaps, load flexibility and contact area as acceptance-test variables. A capacity claim without matching test conditions makes comparison between suppliers difficult.

Missing backup equipment, an incompatible controller or damaged cables can leave the delivered system different from the approved sample. Require an assembly list and test records before shipment, then reconcile them on arrival. Arrival inspection does not replace the competent-person thorough examination that HSE requires for magnetic lifting devices.

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.