Sourcing motorhome chassis from China
Engine-fitted motorhome chassis from China carry 4% to 6% UK duty on the relevant lines, depending on engine type and capacity. Confirm classification as supplied and the finished vehicle's approval route before ordering; customs clearance does not establish road approval. Cambridge China Bridge sources engine-fitted motorhome chassis.
UK duty on engine-fitted motorhome chassis
Heading 8706 covers chassis fitted with engines for vehicles of headings 8701 to 8705. This guide focuses on chassis intended for motorhomes within the passenger-vehicle category of heading 8703. The table separates petrol and diesel examples under the same relevant codes. Ask your broker to reassess classification if a cab or body is supplied. For other chassis applications, see engine-fitted truck chassis.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the relevant China duty rates are 6% under 8706 00 19 00 and 4% under 8706 00 91 00. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. It attaches fluorinated greenhouse gas import control. If air-conditioning is supplied, obtain refrigerant identity and charge quantity; imported fluorinated-gas equipment must be labelled correctly. Ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import declarations and quota requirements.
The tariff also lists DCMS export licensing. Official guidance says there are no licensing requirements for importing cultural objects into Great Britain; ask your broker to confirm the relevance of the listed export measure to your movement. Confirm intended vehicle category, engine type, cylinder capacity and supplied assembly through finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorhome chassis with diesel engine exceeding 2 500 cm³ | 8706 00 19 00 | 6% | None |
| Motorhome chassis with diesel engine not exceeding 2 500 cm³ | 8706 00 91 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the chassis around the finished motorhome
Give the factory the proposed body layout and a chassis drawing showing wheelbase, track, frame dimensions, body mounting points and rear overhang. Agree axle ratings and the planned distribution of the habitation body, passengers, water tanks, batteries and luggage. Ask the bodybuilder to review those loads before accepting the chassis.
Fix engine model, capacity, transmission, steering position, cooling package, braking system and diagnostic access. Obtain wiring diagrams, body mounting instructions and the exact documents supplied with each chassis. Agree spare parts and responsibility for problems found during body installation.
Plan approval of the finished motorhome before ordering. Proof of vehicle approval is needed to register and tax an imported vehicle. Ask the approval authority how the proposed chassis and completed build will be assessed, and agree who supplies the supporting documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative coachbuilder order of 4 engine-fitted motorhome chassis; freight includes insurance under 8706 00 91 00, invoiced at £41,600 free on board, with £16,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £57,600. Duty at 4% is £2,304. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £59,904, so it is £11,980.80. Import taxes total £14,284.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,304 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match chassis and engine identifiers, engine capacity, transmission and supplied documents against the order.
Frame and body interface: measure mounting locations and frame alignment; photograph welds, corrosion protection, transport damage and any unagreed drilling or extensions.
Running systems: observe a cold start, check fluid leaks and warning lights, record diagnostic faults, and arrange controlled checks of steering, brakes and gear selection.
Arrival and handover: compare condition with dispatch photographs; check harness connectors, cooling components, keys, manuals and loose parts. Define the report through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A chassis advertised for motorhomes can arrive with mounting points or frame geometry that do not match the habitation body. Rear-mounted tanks and equipment can also upset the planned axle loading. Review the body drawing against the actual chassis specification, rather than accepting a catalogue description.
An engine or transmission substitution can leave the approval documents, diagnostic tools and spare parts mismatched. Exposed connectors and cooling components can suffer during shipment. Require written acceptance of substitutions and photograph the chassis before loading and 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 motorhome chassis from China?
The relevant engine-fitted chassis lines carry 4% or 6%, depending on engine type and capacity. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension.
Which engine details determine the motorhome chassis code?
Record petrol or diesel operation and cylinder capacity. The relevant split is diesel exceeding 2 500 cm³ or petrol exceeding 2 800 cm³. Confirm vehicle category and the assembly supplied with your broker.
Does importing a chassis approve the finished motorhome?
No. Proof of vehicle approval is needed for registration and taxation. Confirm the finished motorhome's approval route and supporting documents before ordering the chassis.
What should a motorhome bodybuilder check before buying a Chinese chassis?
Check mounting drawings, wheelbase, frame geometry, axle ratings and the planned load distribution. Agree engine specification, wiring information, diagnostic access and spare parts.