Sourcing F-theta laser scan lenses from China
Mounted F-theta laser scan lenses within heading 9002 carry 0% UK duty from China. Confirm the commodity code from the lens construction and use; conformity marking depends on the applicable product rules. Match wavelength, scan field and mounting before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources F-theta laser scan lenses.
Duty on mounted scan lenses
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9002 covers mounted lenses and other mounted optical elements used as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. This guide concerns mounted F-theta laser scan lenses. The table also includes separately imported scan-system optics and alignment-camera lenses; these are distinct goods, not alternative codes for the same lens.
Every line in the supplied heading data carries 0% duty for goods from China. The data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the mounted scan lens belongs under other objective lenses, using its drawing, construction and intended function. Unmounted optical elements fall under a different heading. Start with finding your commodity code, and see the machine vision and telecentric lenses guide for related mounted lenses.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other objective lenses, including scan lenses where classification is confirmed | 9002 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Mounted optical filters supplied separately for the scan system | 9002 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other mounted optical elements supplied separately for the scan system | 9002 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other camera objective lenses for a separate alignment camera | 9002 11 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the lens for the laser and scan head
Agree the laser wavelength, operating power, pulse characteristics, input beam diameter, scan angle, usable scan field, focal length and working distance. Specify the permitted spot size and focus variation across the field, together with the scan-position error and any correction data. Ask whether the quoted lens is telecentric and specify the required beam incidence at the workpiece.
Provide the scan-head interface drawing, mounting thread, clear aperture and available clearance above the workpiece. Agree substrate, coating performance at the operating wavelength, protective-window arrangement and cleaning instructions. Approve a sample on your intended laser and scan head before accepting the production specification.
Conformity marking is only necessary where sector-specific regulations require it. Establish which product rules apply to the supplied lens or assembly before requesting CE or UKCA documentation. For laser testing, HSE says the employer's risk assessment determines whether protective eyewear should be provided.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 50 mounted F-theta laser scan lenses under 9002 19 00 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Identity and fit: check lens identification against the approved drawing, mounting thread, clear aperture, working distance and fit on the intended scan head.
Scan performance: compare measured spot size, focus and scan-position error at the centre and edges of the agreed field, using the specified beam and correction settings.
Surfaces and coating: inspect for scratches, contamination and loose particles; compare coating test records with the agreed wavelength and operating conditions.
Arrival condition: check for moisture, damaged mounts and displaced protective windows; confirm sealed packing and repeat the agreed optical checks before release.
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What goes wrong
A lens that fits the mounting thread can still mismatch the laser wavelength, beam diameter or scan-head geometry. The result can be clipping, uneven focus or poor edge performance. A larger advertised scan field is of little use if the required spot quality is only achieved near the centre.
Contamination and unsuitable coatings can lead to heating or surface damage. Incorrect working distance and mismatched correction settings can also make a sound lens appear faulty. Record the complete sample-test setup and compare production lenses under the same conditions before changing the machine settings.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on F-theta laser scan lenses from China?
Mounted scan lenses classified within heading 9002 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code applies to a mounted F-theta lens?
Ask your broker to assess 9002 19 00 00 for other objective lenses against the construction and function. Do not use a camera-lens code simply because the product is called a lens.
Do F-theta lenses need CE or UKCA marking?
Conformity marking is required only where sector-specific regulations require it. Check the rules for the actual lens or assembly supplied rather than accepting a generic certificate.
How should I test a sample scan lens?
Use the intended laser and scan head. Check spot size, focus and positioning across the agreed field, plus mounting fit and working distance. Record the beam conditions and correction settings.