Sourcing espagnolette window locks from China

Duty and classification for window locks

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8301 covers base-metal locks, certain locking clasps, lock parts and separately presented keys. Complete espagnolette window locks are candidates for the other-locks line. Separately supplied gearboxes need classification as supplied. The table includes companion building-door locks to distinguish them from window locks.

The recorded duty range is uniformly 0% for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or import controls are recorded on the table's lines. Elsewhere in this heading, locking clasps carry torture-and-repression controls and the specialised keyboard-parts line carries a supplementary-unit control. For those goods, the UK Trade Tariff attaches the control and the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker.

Confirm the commodity code using the mechanism's function, materials and whether it arrives complete or as parts. A handle, keep or loose fitting should not automatically inherit the complete lock's code. See the wider locks guide for other products in this heading.

Specify the gearbox and window interface

Send a dimensioned drawing and a working window sample or matching profile assembly. Specify backset, faceplate width and length, gearbox depth, spindle interface, fixing-hole positions, locking-point positions and travel. Identify inline or offset construction, handedness where relevant, and whether the locking points use rollers or mushroom cams.

Agree the matching keeps, adjustment method, materials, coating and supplied fixings. Confirm whether the handle and keys are included. For replacement stock, approve fit on the intended existing window before production. Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005; assess sharp edges, trapping risks and failure in foreseeable use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 810 espagnolette window locks; order quantity, FOB value and freight are illustrative under 8301 40 90 00, invoiced at £8,262 free on board, with £810 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,072. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,072, so it is £1,814.40. 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: assemble sampled locks with the specified profile, handle and keeps; check spindle engagement, fixing positions and clearance.

Operation: open, close, lock and unlock the assembled window repeatedly; check full locking-point travel, smooth return and engagement without forcing the handle.

Construction: compare gearbox, rods, rivets and coating with the approved sample; inspect burrs, loose joints, distorted faceplates and corrosion.

Packing: check variant identification, matching keeps, fixings and instructions against the order; repeat the assembly check on arrival. Use an agreed inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A faceplate can look correct while the gearbox depth or backset prevents installation. Misplaced keeps can leave a window apparently closed without full engagement. Mixing variants in a carton creates replacement errors. Check the complete window assembly rather than judging a loose mechanism by appearance.

Loose rivets, distorted rods and rough gear movement can cause binding or incomplete travel. Approve a working assembly, retain the sample and agree how failed pieces will be identified and replaced before shipment.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.