Sourcing mobile crane chassis from China
Engine-fitted mobile crane chassis classified under 8706 00 99 00 carry 10% UK duty from China. Confirm the chassis classification, intended road use and applicable engine approval before ordering, then inspect the frame, drivetrain and mounting interfaces. Cambridge China Bridge sources engine-fitted mobile crane chassis.
UK duty on engine-fitted mobile crane chassis
Heading 8706 covers chassis fitted with engines for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. For an engine-fitted chassis intended for a mobile crane vehicle, 8706 00 99 00 is the relevant candidate in the supplied tariff data. Only that line is shown here because the remaining lines describe other vehicle families. Compare the wider chassis guide, and confirm the delivered configuration through finding your commodity code.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the candidate line carries 10% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%. The tariff attaches fluorinated greenhouse gas import controls. Vehicle air-conditioning falls within pre-charged equipment guidance; obtain the refrigerant identity and charge quantity and ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable registration, quota and declaration requirements.
The tariff also lists a DCMS export licence measure. This concerns exports of cultural objects: official guidance says there are no cultural-object import licensing requirements for Great Britain. Ask your broker to confirm the treatment of any historic chassis and any later export. Keep the supplied tariff snapshot separate from the checks needed for the actual shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine-fitted chassis for mobile crane vehicles, other | 8706 00 99 00 | 10% | None |
Specify the chassis and crane installation together
Agree the engine and transmission models, axle layout, steering arrangement, wheelbase, frame drawings, axle load capacities and braking system. Give the crane installer the mounting drawings, hydraulic drive requirements, outrigger interfaces and proposed completed weight distribution. List exactly what comes with the chassis, including cab, wiring, controls, exhaust system and diagnostic equipment.
Settle the intended road and site use before buying. Where the finished machine falls within non-road mobile machinery rules, new machinery sold in the UK must have a type-approved engine with approval markings. Request documents and photographs matching the actual engine. Separately confirm the vehicle approval position for the completed configuration; where approval is required, proof must accompany the registration application.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative specialist crane-builder order of an engine-fitted mobile crane chassis; freight includes insurance under 8706 00 99 00, invoiced at £400,000 free on board, with £16,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £416,000. Duty at 10% is £41,600. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £457,600, so it is £91,520. Import taxes total £133,120; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £41,600 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match chassis and engine identifiers to the invoice, build specification, engine documents and photographs. Record any substituted drivetrain or exhaust components.
Frame and interfaces: check frame dimensions, straightness, weld condition, mounting holes and outrigger attachment points against the agreed drawings. Look for repairs concealed by paint.
Operation: witness a cold start and check leaks, warning indications, transmission selection, steering, brakes and hydraulic drive operation against the agreed test plan.
Arrival condition: compare the underbody, cab, tyres, pipework and exposed connectors with dispatch photographs. Check corrosion protection, loose equipment and document completeness using an agreed quality inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A chassis can arrive with the correct engine description but different mounting geometry, axle capacities or hydraulic connections. The resulting crane installation may need redesign. Approve the interface drawings with the installer and require written agreement before the factory changes a component.
Engine paperwork can describe a different engine variant from the unit fitted. Missing diagnostic access, damaged connectors and unprotected machined surfaces also create commissioning work. Match documents to the physical build before dispatch, agree parts support and repeat the condition checks on arrival.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on mobile crane chassis from China?
Engine-fitted mobile crane chassis classified under 8706 00 99 00 carry 10% duty. The supplied data records no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Does the chassis need engine approval?
Where the finished machine falls within non-road mobile machinery rules, new machinery sold in the UK needs a type-approved engine with approval markings. Check the actual engine and intended application before ordering.
Can I register a Chinese mobile crane chassis for road use?
Confirm the approval position for the completed vehicle with the relevant authority before buying. Where vehicle approval is required, proof must accompany the registration application.
What should the crane installer check before I order?
Have the installer confirm frame and mounting drawings, axle capacities, completed weight distribution, outrigger interfaces, hydraulic drive and electrical connections against the intended crane.