Sourcing ESD component trays from China
ESD component trays entered under heading 3926 carry 6% UK duty from China; listed suspensions are product-specific. Confirm classification and obtain UK REACH substance information before ordering. Specify electrical performance rather than relying on black plastic or an ESD label. Cambridge China Bridge sources ESD component trays.
UK duty on plastic ESD component trays
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 3926 covers other plastic articles not classified elsewhere. Its residual line 3926 90 97 90 carries 6% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. The rows show tray variants against the same residual line, rather than separate tariff subheadings. Confirm that this heading fits the tray's construction and use.
The recorded zero-duty suspensions cover specified products; do not assume an ESD tray qualifies. The tariff also attaches veterinary control, a torture-goods import prohibition and a torture-goods export restriction. Official guidance describes veterinary border checks for animal products and controls for listed torture goods. Confirm the applicability and declaration requirements for your Chinese trays with your customs broker.
Send the material specification, drawing and intended use to your broker and confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see injection-moulded components. Use the import duty and VAT guide for the illustrative order calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other plastic articles: moulded component trays, subject to classification | 3926 90 97 90 | 6% | None |
Specify pockets and electrical performance
State the component outline, pocket clearance, support points, orientation, tray flatness and stacking arrangement. Specify whether trays are moulded or thermoformed, the resin grade, conductive additive or surface treatment, and permitted cleaning and reuse conditions. Test fit with the actual components, including safe removal without bending leads.
Agree the resistance test method, measurement positions, conditioning humidity and temperature, acceptance range and batch reporting before approving samples. Ask for repeat measurements after the intended cleaning and handling cycle. Colour and an ESD symbol are not evidence that the agreed electrical performance has been achieved.
For Great Britain supply, confirm with HSE whether UK REACH candidate-list substance information duties apply to the trays and what information must be supplied. Request material information covering the resin, additives and coatings, rather than a declaration covering only the base polymer.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative only: 5,000 ESD component trays under 3926 90 97 90, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,400. Duty at 6% is £384. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,784, so it is £1,356.80. Import taxes total £1,740.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £384 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Pockets: check dimensions, orientation and component support against the approved drawing and actual components.
Electrical performance: check batch-linked resistance results and repeat the agreed measurements on arrival samples.
Stacking: check flatness, nesting, separation and loaded stacks for contact with exposed leads or component surfaces.
Condition: check flash, cracks, loose particles, coating wear and batch identification. Plan shipment checks using the quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
A tray can fit the component yet fail the agreed resistance test. Material substitution, uneven additive distribution or a worn surface treatment can cause inconsistent results. Pocket distortion and excessive nesting can also trap components or let the tray above touch them.
Keep an approved sample and link inspection results to each production batch. Agree how failed trays will be isolated and replaced, and require approval before changing the resin, additive, coating or tooling.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on ESD trays from China?
Under 3926 90 97 90, the recorded duty is 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Suspensions are limited to specified products; confirm classification before ordering.
Does black plastic prove a tray is ESD suitable?
No. Agree electrical acceptance criteria and obtain batch-linked test results using the specified method and conditioning.
What should I send the tray factory?
Send a component drawing or sample, pocket layout, stacking requirements, resin specification and electrical test criteria, including cleaning and reuse conditions.
What UK REACH information should I request?
Request candidate-list substance information for the resin, additives and coatings. Confirm with HSE whether safe-use information duties apply and what information must be passed to recipients.