Sourcing excavator track chains from China
Excavator steel track chains from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines shown here. Confirm whether the shipment contains bare chains or chains with track shoes, and match the construction to the tariff description. Employers must keep work equipment in good repair. Cambridge China Bridge sources excavator steel track chains.
Duty and classification for steel track chains
Heading 8431 covers parts suitable solely or principally for the machinery named in its description. For excavator steel track chains, distinguish bare chains from assemblies carrying track shoes, and establish whether the relevant parts are cast steel or otherwise manufactured. The table shows candidate lines, rather than interchangeable codes. See the excavator buckets guide for the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, the selected lines carry 0% ordinary duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control in the supplied tariff data. This finding applies to these excavator-part lines, rather than every product in the heading.
Give your customs broker the machine application, material and manufacturing process, drawings, photographs and whether shoes are fitted. Check the complete tariff description before choosing your commodity code, particularly where shoe dimensions and grouser construction affect the subdivision.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast steel track shoes assembled in chains, other types | 8431 49 20 29 | 0% | None |
| Other steel track shoes assembled in chains, other types | 8431 49 80 29 | 0% | None |
| Other cast steel excavator parts, potential line for bare chains | 8431 49 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Other excavator parts, potential line for bare steel chains | 8431 49 80 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the chain against the excavator
Provide the excavator make, model, serial identification and existing part reference. Specify chain pitch, link count, pin and bush dimensions, link height, rail width, shoe bolt pattern and master-joint design. State whether you need bare chains or complete assemblies with shoes, and whether the joints are dry, sealed or lubricated.
Agree steel grades, heat-treatment method, hardness acceptance points and case-depth evidence for links, pins and bushes. Ask for batch-linked material certificates and dimensional reports. Include shoe width, grouser profile, bolts, nuts, corrosion protection and packing restraints in the specification.
HSE explains that the general workplace-product provisions apply where more specific product safety law does not apply. Ask for fitting and maintenance instructions for the supplied chain, and have the installer confirm compatibility with the sprockets, rollers and tensioning system.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10 excavator steel track chains with shoes under 8431 49 80 29, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,200, so it is £1,840. 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: measure pitch over several links, count links and compare rail dimensions, bolt holes and the master joint with the approved drawing.
Material: match batch identification to certificates and hardness results; inspect links, pins and bushes for cracks, damage and inconsistent finish.
Joints: articulate the chain to find stiff or loose joints; inspect seals and check lubrication where specified. Confirm master-pin or master-link retention.
Arrival: check packing restraints, rust, damaged shoes, missing fasteners and chain identification before fitting. Retain photographs and inspection records. Plan quality inspection before shipment as well.
What goes wrong
A model name alone can conceal different undercarriage configurations. Wrong pitch or link count prevents correct fitting; mismatched shoe holes invite site modifications. Inadequate heat treatment can produce rapid wear, while poor pin retention or damaged seals can cause joint failure. Inspect the existing sprockets and rollers before accepting a replacement chain.
Employers must maintain work equipment in an efficient state, efficient working order and good repair. HSE says like-for-like refurbishment with similar replacement parts does not require re-marking. Keep replacement chains within the agreed machine specification, and resolve fit discrepancies with the supplier and installer before use.
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 excavator steel track chains from China?
The selected excavator track-part lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The correct code depends on construction and whether shoes are fitted.
What information does a factory need to match my track chain?
Send the machine model and serial identification, part reference, drawing, pitch, link count, rail dimensions, shoe bolt pattern and master-joint details. Confirm whether shoes are included.
Should I order bare chains or chains with track shoes?
Specify this explicitly. For bare chains, check that retained shoes and fasteners suit the replacement links. For complete assemblies, agree shoe width, grouser profile and fasteners.
Does replacing an excavator track chain require re-marking the machine?
HSE says refurbishment using new similar parts on a like-for-like basis does not require re-marking. Confirm that the replacement matches the original specification and have fit discrepancies assessed.