Sourcing Type 2 EV charging cables from China

Products and search terms

EV charging cable, Type 2 cable, Mode 3 cable, 32A charging cable, three-phase charging lead, EV cable

Specify the cable, not just the plug

State the mode (Mode 3 for a cable between a wallbox socket and the car), the connector types at each end, single-phase or three-phase, rated current (16A or 32A), length, conductor size, outer sheath material and the operating temperature range. A 32A three-phase cable needs larger conductors than a 16A single-phase one, and the price difference is mostly copper.

IEC 62893-1 is the international standard for EV charging cables rated up to 0.6/1 kV; ask which part of the series the cable is built and tested to. IEC 62196 covers the plugs, vehicle connectors and inlets. Ask for the report numbers and laboratory names, and check that the tested length and current match what you are buying.

A portable Mode 2 lead with a control box in the cable that plugs into a household socket is a different product with its own risks; read checking a portable EV charging lead for that.

UK rules for the importer

A Mode 3 cable for 230V or 400V AC falls within the voltage range of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 (50V to 1000V AC). As the GB importer you need to check the conformity assessment, technical documentation, marking, importer identification and English instructions before selling. Our electrical imports guide lists the documents.

Retailers and marketplaces increasingly ask for the test reports before listing. Keep the declaration, reports and photographs of the tested sample in one file per model, so you can answer them without going back to the factory.

Duty on charging cables

A charging cable with connectors fitted is classified as insulated cable fitted with connectors for a voltage not over 1000V. The UK Trade Tariff API, read on 26 October 2026, shows the rate below and no anti-dumping measure on China. The suspensions on this line cover named cables only, such as specified offshore wind cables under authorised use and a short eight-wire PVC cable, not EV charging cables.

Connectors bought loose for your own cable assembly are classified separately; see sourcing Type 2 connectors and inlets. Use the import duty calculator for your own figures.

What to test and inspect

Before bulk production, have the first articles checked for conductor size, insulation and sheath thickness, connector locking, cable retention at the strain relief, and the marking printed on the sheath. A cable that is thinner than specified passes a quick plug-in test and fails later under load.

At pre-shipment inspection, check length, connector type and pin layout, sheath markings against the specification, the rating label, the carry bag and instructions, and the batch or serial numbers against the test reports. Agree the sampling plan with the AQL calculator before production starts.

Worked duty example

Hypothetical figures, not supplier prices: 1,000 cables with a customs value of £45,000 including freight and insurance to the UK. Duty at 2% is £900. Import VAT at 20% on £45,900 is £9,180, assuming no further chargeable expenses. See UK import duty and VAT for how the VAT base is built.

Cambridge China Bridge sources charging cables against a written specification and arranges the inspection; start with small orders for a first run or container programmes for repeat volume.