Sourcing engine timing covers from China
Petrol and diesel engine timing covers from China normally carry 2% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown in the supplied tariff data. Specify the engine variant, original part number and sealing geometry, then approve a measured and test-fitted sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources engine timing covers.
Timing cover classification and UK duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8409 covers parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 8407 or 8408. For ordinary petrol and diesel timing covers, the relevant residual lines are 8409 91 00 90 and 8409 99 00 90 respectively. Upper and lower covers share the applicable engine-specific code.
Both lines carry 2% duty on goods from China. The supplied data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no attached import controls on these lines. It lists 0% suspensions for narrowly described products within the same codes; those descriptions do not establish relief for an ordinary timing cover. Budget at 2% unless the broker confirms that the exact goods qualify.
Confirm the commodity code using the engine application, material, drawing and supplied components. This guide concerns petrol and diesel timing covers; see engine parts for the wider heading. For pushrods, see our engine pushrod sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper timing covers for spark-ignition piston engines | 8409 91 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Upper timing covers for diesel piston engines | 8409 99 00 90 | 2% | None |
Engine fit, seal seats and cover construction
Specify the original part number, engine variant and drawing revision. Distinguish a dry belt guard from an oil-containing chain housing, and record whether the cover includes a crankshaft seal, gasket, bushes or brackets. Agree the material, mounting datums, bolt holes, internal clearances and sealing-face finish.
Approve a sample against the mating engine components. Check that locating features align without forcing the cover, the seal seat is concentric with the intended shaft position, and ribs clear the moving parts. For cast housings, agree a leak test suited to the drawing and retain material and machining records by batch.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of replacement diesel engine timing covers under 8409 99 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,160 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,160. Duty at 2% is £103.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,263.20, so it is £1,052.64. Import taxes total £1,155.84; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £103.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the part number, engine application and included seals or fittings to the purchase order and approved sample.
Dimensions: measure mounting holes, locating features, seal seats and sealing-face flatness against the drawing; test-fit the cover without modifying it.
Construction: check castings for cracks and porosity, moulded guards for distortion, and all covers for burrs or loose machining debris. Check oil-containing housings using the agreed leak test.
Arrival and traceability: check sealing faces for impact damage, corrosion and rubbing through the wrapping; match carton labels to batch records. Use quality inspection to agree checks before dispatch.
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What goes wrong
A similar-looking cover can have different bolt positions, seal depths or internal ribs. Warped sealing faces and porous castings can leak; distorted guards can rub against the belt. An unspecified seal or missing locating bush can make an otherwise matching cover unusable. Hold affected stock while the factory compares it with the approved drawing and sample.
The official vehicle aftermarket safety-defect code places its responsibilities on an independent importer when imported parts have a potential safety defect. Producers or distributors must inform the competent authority immediately about safety issues with aftermarket parts. Keep batch and customer records so affected timing covers can be identified.
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 timing covers from China?
Ordinary petrol and diesel engine timing covers normally carry 2% duty under the relevant residual lines. The supplied tariff data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on those lines.
Do timing covers qualify for a duty suspension?
The relevant codes contain narrowly described suspensions, but the supplied descriptions do not establish relief for an ordinary timing cover. Ask the broker to check the exact specification.
How do I check that a timing cover fits?
Use the original part number, engine variant and drawing. Measure mounting and seal features, then test-fit a sample against the mating components before approving production.
What should I inspect on arrival?
Check part and batch identity, sealing-face damage, cracks, distortion, corrosion and included fittings. Compare critical dimensions with the drawing and investigate any leak-test failure.