Sourcing embedded Wi-Fi modules from China
Embedded Wi-Fi modules within heading 8517 carry 0% UK duty from China across the listed lines. Classification depends on their function and condition as supplied. Radio equipment placed on the Great Britain market must meet essential requirements. Cambridge China Bridge sources embedded Wi-Fi modules.
Duty and classification for embedded modules
Heading 8517 covers communication apparatus and its parts. For embedded Wi-Fi modules, distinguish an apparatus that receives, converts and transmits data from a part supplied for incorporation. The table shows candidate lines and separately supplied aerials; it does not assign every module to the same code. For the wider product family, see Wi-Fi access points.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, all listed heading 8517 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for the table entries. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Send your customs broker the datasheet, functional description, photographs and details of what is included in the shipment. Confirm whether the module is communication apparatus or a part before using the commodity code guide. A supplier's description of an item as a module does not settle that distinction.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modules receiving, converting and transmitting data | 8517 62 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other communication apparatus parts | 8517 79 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Aerials and aerial parts supplied separately | 8517 71 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other communication apparatus, subject to function-based classification | 8517 69 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the module, antenna and host together
Specify the chipset, board footprint, pad layout, supply voltage, host interface, supported frequency bands, antenna arrangement and firmware release. Record the antenna connector, antenna clearance and enclosure material. Ask for integration instructions, driver availability and the method for restoring firmware. Approve samples in your actual host board and enclosure.
For radio equipment placed on the Great Britain market, the importer must check conformity assessment, technical documentation, the declaration of conformity and the relevant marking. Goods imported for further manufacture are not considered placed on the market at that stage. Establish whether you are buying a separately marketed product or an input to your finished equipment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2,000 embedded Wi-Fi modules under 8517 62 00 00, 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: compare chipset markings, board revision, pad layout and antenna connector against the approved sample and purchase specification.
Connection: fit samples to the intended host and check network joining, data transfer, recovery after lost connection and restart behaviour.
Firmware: compare the installed release and settings with the approved configuration; check driver installation and the recovery procedure.
Packaging: check protective packing, bent shields, damaged connectors, solder contamination and batch identification before releasing stock for assembly.
What goes wrong
A module can connect on an open bench yet lose its connection inside the finished enclosure. An altered antenna, missing clearance or a changed board layout can affect performance. Check the assembled host rather than accepting a demonstration on the supplier's development board.
Unannounced chipset substitutions and firmware changes can break drivers or recovery behaviour. Put the approved hardware and firmware configuration in the order, request written approval before substitutions and compare arrival samples with the retained reference sample.
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 embedded Wi-Fi modules from China?
The supplied heading 8517 tariff record shows 0% duty across all listed lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duties. Confirm the module's commodity code; import VAT is normally 20%.
Are embedded Wi-Fi modules apparatus or parts?
That depends on their function and condition as supplied. Give your customs broker the datasheet and shipment contents rather than relying on the supplier's label.
What compliance documents should I check?
For radio equipment placed on the Great Britain market, check conformity assessment, technical documentation, the declaration of conformity and the relevant marking. Establish how the module is being supplied.
How should I test samples before ordering?
Use your intended host board, antenna and enclosure. Check network joining, data transfer, reconnection, restart and firmware recovery against a written acceptance specification.