Sourcing Engine Magnetos from China

UK duty on engine magnetos

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8511 covers engine ignition and starting equipment, generators and associated parts. Engine ignition magnetos, magneto-dynamos and magnetic flywheels fall within 8511 20 00 90. The table separates these product descriptions but they share a commodity code.

Goods from China under this magneto line carry 2% duty. The general parts line, 8511 90 00 90, also carries 2%. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for either line. Suspensions elsewhere in the heading do not extend to these magnetos.

Confirm the commodity code using the assembly drawing, function and supplied components, especially when importing separate parts. For the wider ignition equipment heading, see ignition coils.

Specify the engine fit and ignition behaviour

Give the factory the engine model, reference part number and an approved sample. Specify shaft taper or coupling, keyway position, mounting pattern, rotation viewed from a stated end, ignition timing and lead connections. For magnetic flywheels, agree the matching stator and clearance rather than approving the flywheel in isolation.

Agree starting-speed spark performance, output across the operating speed range, hot-running behaviour and insulation tests. Record the test fixture and acceptance criteria in the purchase specification. Importers placing products on the UK market must demonstrate compliance with relevant safety requirements; a supplier's claim that the unit fits an engine is insufficient evidence.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of replacement engine magnetos under 8511 20 00 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,260 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,260. Duty at 2% is £85.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,345.20, so it is £869.04. Import taxes total £954.24; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £85.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: compare shaft, taper, keyway, mounting holes and lead routing with the approved drawing and sample.

Ignition: bench-test spark and timing across the agreed speed range, including starting conditions and hot operation.

Condition: check insulation, terminals, bearings where fitted, magnet retention and flywheel damage; look for rubbing against the matching stator.

Identification: match cartons and units to the ordered engine applications and batch records. At inspection, sample each ordered variant separately.

What goes wrong

A magneto can bolt into place yet have the wrong rotation, keyway position or timing relationship. A spark seen on an unloaded bench does not establish reliable starting or hot-running performance. Mixed engine variants and poorly identified cartons make these faults harder to isolate.

Approve fit and operating tests together before releasing production. Keep the approved sample and test records for comparison on arrival. Treat loose magnets, cracked insulation, intermittent hot sparks or stator contact as reasons to hold the affected stock for investigation.

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.