Sourcing production counters from China
Electromechanical production counters from China carry 0% UK duty, with no trade remedies shown in the supplied tariff facts. Electrical compliance depends on the model's voltage and design, so check the applicable rules before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources electromechanical production counters.
Duty on electromechanical production counters
Heading 9029 covers production and revolution counters alongside other counting and speed instruments. Electromechanical production counters use an electrical input to advance a mechanical number display. The table separates buying variants that share a commodity code; they are not separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider counters and speedometers guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, production counters under 9029 10 00 90 and other parts and accessories under 9029 90 00 90 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Confirm the commodity code using the counter's function, construction and whether you are importing a complete instrument or a part. Send the broker the drawings, photographs and input specification rather than relying on the supplier's description.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical production counters with manual reset | 9029 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories for production counters | 9029 90 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the coil, pulse input and mounting
Agree the coil voltage, alternating or direct current supply, pulse duration, counting rate and recovery interval. Specify the number of display digits, rollover behaviour, reset method, terminal arrangement, panel cut-out and mounting depth. Use the intended machine signal to approve the sample, including starting, stopping and restarting the line.
For sale in Great Britain, assess electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility against the actual design. Electrical safety regulations apply within their specified voltage range; electromagnetic compatibility rules cover equipment liable to generate disturbance, subject to exceptions. Ask for a written scope assessment and model-matched compliance evidence through testing and certification.
Check hazardous-substance restrictions and any exemption before sale. In-scope products need technical documentation, a declaration of conformity, required labelling and the appropriate conformity marking. Also assess waste electrical producer responsibilities: producers must register annually, and the official guidance distinguishes commercial importers from people bringing equipment in for their own use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative batch of panel-mounted electromechanical production counters under 9029 10 00 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,000, so it is £2,200. 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
Counting: compare the displayed total with a reference pulse source at the agreed operating conditions. Look for missed increments, repeated increments and sticking number wheels.
Reset and retention: test the agreed reset method, carry between digits and rollover. Disconnect and reconnect power, then check that the retained total matches the specification.
Coil and terminals: match the voltage label and wiring diagram to the order. Check terminal security, insulation damage and heating during the agreed operating cycle.
Mounting and paperwork: trial-fit the counter in the intended panel and inspect the window, fixings and packaging. Match the supplied model to the drawings and compliance documents. Use quality inspection to agree the checks before shipment.
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What goes wrong
A counter can work on the supplier's bench but miss pulses on your machine because the input is too brief or arrives before the mechanism has recovered. Contact bounce can produce extra counts. Test with the actual signal source and agree how signal conditioning will be handled before approving production.
The wrong coil, incompatible reset mechanism or excessive mounting depth can make a replacement unusable despite a similar front face. Number wheels can stick or misalign at carry transitions. Freeze the approved drawing and sample, and check production units against both.
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 production counters from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for production counters under 9029 10 00 90 and other parts under 9029 90 00 90, with no trade remedies listed. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Can I replace a counter using its front dimensions?
Check the coil supply, pulse requirements, reset method, terminals and mounting depth as well. Approve the replacement using the intended machine signal.
Why does an electromechanical counter miss counts?
Check pulse duration and spacing against the agreed specification. Test for sticking number wheels and compare the displayed total with a reference pulse source.
What compliance documents should I request?
Request a model-specific scope assessment. For in-scope hazardous-substance rules, obtain technical documentation, a declaration of conformity and evidence of the required labelling and marking.