Sourcing engine overhaul gasket sets from China

Duty and classification of overhaul sets

Heading 8484 covers specified metal gaskets, sets of gaskets of dissimilar composition in pouches or similar packings, and mechanical seals. For overhaul sets, the contents and how they are packed matter. The table repeats the set code for different engine applications; these are examples within the same tariff line, rather than separate classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 22 November 2026, the selected set and metal gasket lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. This does not remove the asbestos prohibition. Pure rubber gaskets supplied separately need their own classification.

Give your customs broker the itemised contents, material composition and packing details to confirm the commodity code. For separately supplied cylinder head gaskets, see the engine cylinder head gasket guide.

Specify the engine variant and every gasket

Identify the engine manufacturer, engine code, fuel type and relevant design revision. Supply reference part numbers, drawings or an approved sample. Agree bore openings, bolt holes, oil and coolant passages, gasket thickness and coating. A vehicle model name alone is a weak purchasing specification.

Define the contents of the overhaul set individually: head, inlet and exhaust manifold, rocker cover, sump and timing cover gaskets, plus any agreed seals. State exclusions clearly. Specify each material and agree fluid compatibility and installation instructions with the supplier.

Asbestos-containing gaskets cannot be supplied, and placing on the market includes import. Ask for an asbestos-free declaration supported by laboratory testing of fibre gasket materials. Match the tested material and report to the production batch; a declaration alone does not establish the composition.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of engine overhaul gasket sets for a repair-parts distributor; values are illustrative under 8484 90 00 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,500, so it is £6,300. 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

Fit: compare bore openings, bolt holes and fluid passages with approved drawings and trial-fit a sample on the target engine.

Contents: unpack sampled sets against the agreed component list; check that variant-specific seals and gaskets are present.

Materials: check thickness, coatings, reinforcement and rubber grades against the specification; match fibre materials to the asbestos test evidence.

Arrival condition: inspect for bent metal layers, damaged sealing beads, torn fibre edges and crushed packaging; check engine identification and batch references. Agree the checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

An apparently complete set can mix engine revisions, omit a timing cover gasket or contain a head gasket with the wrong passage layout. These errors can cause leaks or obstruct fluid flow. Keep an approved contents list and fit sample for each engine variant.

Poor coatings, distorted metal layers and unsuitable rubber can undermine sealing even when the outline fits. Do not accept a material substitution merely because the replacement looks similar. Request revised material evidence and repeat the relevant fit and compatibility checks before accepting it.

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.