Sourcing femtosecond laser sources from China

0% duty on femtosecond laser sources

Heading 9013 includes lasers other than laser diodes. Femtosecond oscillators and amplified sources belong within that laser family when imported as laser sources. The table repeats the laser commodity line for different source configurations; these are product variants, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. Separately imported parts need their own classification. See the wider lasers and optical devices guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, laser sources under 9013 20 00 00 and qualifying parts under 9013 90 80 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the supplied configuration, function and intended use. Describe whether the shipment contains a complete source, a laser diode, spare parts or a complete processing machine. Send the broker the technical specification and packing list before agreeing the customs declaration.

Specify pulse performance and integration

Specify wavelength, pulse duration at the delivered output, pulse energy, repetition rate and average power at the same operating point. Agree how pulse duration will be measured and which assumptions the report uses. Include beam quality, polarisation, pointing stability and the output interface. Ask for results tied to the supplied serial number.

Define the compressor, cooling arrangement, power supply, control software, trigger connections and accessories included. Agree warm-up conditions, environmental conditions and acceptance tolerances. Test with the intended downstream optics: pulse duration at the source output does not establish performance after the buyer's optical path.

Assess electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance scope for the source and supplied equipment. For electrical equipment within scope, CE or UKCA marking is accepted in Great Britain subject to the applicable requirements. Importers must check the manufacturer's conformity assessment, provide importer identification and a postal address, and ensure instructions are in understandable English. Arrange testing and certification against the supplied model.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: One femtosecond laser oscillator with its matched power supply, illustrative only under 9013 20 00 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,200, so it is £5,040. 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

Pulse output: have a competent laboratory verify pulse duration, energy, repetition rate and average power at the agreed operating point; retain the measurement method and results.

Beam delivery: check wavelength, polarisation, beam profile, pointing stability and output-window condition against the purchase specification.

Safety and documents: check laser classification, warning labels, interlocks, model identification, conformity documentation and instructions against the supplied configuration.

Arrival condition: inspect transport restraints, optical surfaces, cooling connections and cables before commissioning; repeat the agreed acceptance measurements after installation.

What goes wrong

A supplier may quote the shortest pulse duration and highest pulse energy from different operating settings. A power-meter result alone cannot verify pulse duration. Reports can also describe a different compressor or output configuration. Require measurements at the agreed operating point and investigate discrepancies before accepting the shipment.

Transport movement, contaminated optics or a changed cooling arrangement can undermine the factory result. Treat interlock and warning-label discrepancies as acceptance failures. Protective eyewear provision depends on the employer's risk assessment; agree the installation and safe test arrangements before energising an exposed beam.

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.