Sourcing electrosurgical generators from China
Electrosurgical generators classified as diathermic apparatus carry 0% UK duty from China. Before sale in Great Britain, check the applicable conformity assessment, MHRA registration and the Chinese manufacturer's UK Responsible Person. Cambridge China Bridge sources electrosurgical generators.
Duty on electrosurgical generators
Heading 9018 covers medical, surgical, dental and veterinary instruments and appliances. Its diathermic apparatus line, 9018 90 40 00, is the starting point for classifying electrosurgical generators. The table shows configurations under this shared tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, the supplied diathermic apparatus line carries 0% duty for goods from China. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. This tariff entry does not establish medical-device compliance.
Confirm the commodity code using the intended surgical use, operating principle and contents of the shipment. Check separately supplied accessories rather than assuming the generator code covers them. See the wider medical instruments and devices guide for the heading's broader scope.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monopolar electrosurgical generators, subject to classification confirmation | 9018 90 40 00 | 0% | None |
Specify output modes and compatible accessories
Specify the intended procedures, monopolar and bipolar functions, cutting and coagulation modes, output adjustment and performance against agreed test loads. List compatible handpieces, electrodes, return electrodes, leads and foot controls by exact model. Agree the alarm functions, return-electrode monitoring where fitted, cleaning instructions and service documentation.
For Great Britain, confirm the conformity assessment for the device's class and the accepted CE or UKCA route before ordering. Check with the MHRA whether the Chinese manufacturer needs to appoint a UK Responsible Person and whether the device needs registration before market placement. Also confirm whether the importer needs to notify the manufacturer or UK Responsible Person of its import intention and who should submit the importer's details.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of two electrosurgical generators; values are illustrative, not a quotation under 9018 90 40 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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 delivered model, serial identification, manufacturer and supplied accessories to the order, conformity documents and exact-model test reports.
Output: have a competent medical-equipment test provider check cutting and coagulation performance against agreed loads using suitable test equipment, and record the results.
Controls: check handpiece and foot-control activation, mode selection, audible indications and fitted return-electrode monitoring against the manufacturer's instructions.
Arrival condition: inspect sockets, cable insulation, accessory connections and packaging damage; check English instructions and arrange testing and certification where evidence needs verification.
What goes wrong
A plug that fits does not establish accessory compatibility. Unagreed accessory substitutions, output that differs from the approved sample, damaged cable insulation and incomplete alarm checks can leave the buyer unable to accept the shipment. Put the accessory list and functional acceptance checks in the purchase specification.
Documentation can also concern a different model or manufacturer. MHRA registration does not represent certification or approval by the MHRA. Match the registration and conformity evidence to the generator supplied, and resolve discrepancies before releasing it for clinical use.
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 electrosurgical generators from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% for diathermic apparatus under 9018 90 40 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that this code fits the generator.
Does a Chinese generator manufacturer need a UK Responsible Person?
For placement on the Great Britain market, confirm with the MHRA whether the overseas manufacturer needs to appoint a UK Responsible Person and whether the device needs to be registered before market placement.
Does MHRA registration mean the generator is approved?
No. Registration does not represent MHRA certification or approval. Check the applicable conformity evidence and exact-model test reports separately.
What should I test before accepting an electrosurgical generator?
Check output against agreed loads, cutting and coagulation modes, activation controls, alarms, fitted return-electrode monitoring and accessory compatibility using a competent medical-equipment test provider.