Sourcing fibre optic isolators from China
Fibre optic isolators entered under the relevant other-device or parts lines of heading 9013 carry 0% UK duty from China. Conformity marking depends on the applicable product regulations. Specify wavelength, isolation and insertion loss before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources fibre optic isolators.
Duty on fibre optic isolators
Heading 9013 covers lasers other than laser diodes and other optical appliances and instruments not specified elsewhere in the chapter. For complete fibre optic isolators, consider the other-device line 9013 80 80 00; separately supplied parts may fall under 9013 90 80 00. The table shows product variants sharing these candidate lines. Confirm classification from the construction and function rather than the supplier's product name.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, these lines carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspension. The complete-device line attaches a cultural export licence control. Official guidance says cultural objects have no import licensing requirement in Great Britain. Ask your customs broker to confirm how the attached control applies to your declaration.
An isolator suppresses reverse-travelling light; a splitter divides an optical signal. Do not select the passive-splitter line simply because the isolator is passive. Confirm your commodity code, and see the wider optical devices guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polarisation-independent fibre optic isolators | 9013 80 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories for fibre optic isolators, subject to classification | 9013 90 80 00 | 0% | None |
Specify optical performance and fibre interfaces
State the operating wavelength band, minimum reverse isolation, maximum forward insertion loss and permitted optical power. Specify whether the device must maintain polarisation or work independently of input polarisation. Agree performance across the intended temperature range, rather than accepting a measurement at the nominal wavelength alone.
Define fibre type, pigtail length, connector type and polish, housing dimensions, mounting method and light-travel direction. For a connectorless device, agree the splice interface and protective packaging. Request test records tied to the supplied batch and an approved sample.
Conformity marking is only necessary where sector-specific regulations require it. Establish which rules apply to the supplied component or assembly before asking for CE or UKCA documentation. Use testing and certification support to review the product's actual configuration.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative laboratory stock order of fibre optic isolators under 9013 80 80 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
Optical performance: measure forward insertion loss and reverse isolation across the agreed wavelength band, using the specified polarisation conditions.
Interfaces: check fibre type, connector polish, pigtail length and end-face cleanliness against the order; inspect for scratches and damaged fibre.
Power and temperature: verify the agreed qualification evidence and sample performance under the intended operating conditions.
Identity and packing: match model and batch records to test results, check direction markings, protective caps and fibre routing, then repeat optical checks on arrival.
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What goes wrong
An isolator can pass a nominal-wavelength test yet give poor isolation elsewhere in the required band. A polarisation-dependent substitute can also perform differently in the buyer's system. Approve the complete test conditions and acceptance criteria, then compare production samples with the approved sample.
Dirty connectors, mismatched polish and tight pigtail bends can increase loss after shipment. Reversed installation defeats the intended light path. Record direction clearly, inspect packaging and connectors on arrival, and investigate unexpected loss before accepting the batch.
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 fibre optic isolators from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty under 9013 80 80 00 and 9013 90 80 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the line for your product.
Do fibre optic isolators need CE or UKCA marking?
Marking is required only where applicable sector-specific regulations require it. Check the supplied component or assembly rather than assuming every optical product needs a mark.
Which optical measurements should I request?
Request forward insertion loss and reverse isolation across your wavelength band, with the polarisation conditions recorded. Agree optical power and temperature qualification evidence.
Can I use the passive optical splitter commodity code?
Do not choose it merely because the device is passive. An isolator suppresses reverse light; a splitter divides a signal. Confirm classification from the product's construction and function.