Sourcing fibre-optic transceivers from China
Fibre-optic network transceivers under 8517 62 00 00 carry 0% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedies. The duty range across the supplied heading is also 0%. Confirm whether the module is supplied as a component or finished equipment before deciding its compliance route. Cambridge China Bridge sources fibre-optic network transceivers.
Duty on fibre-optic network transceivers
Heading 8517 covers telecommunications apparatus, including equipment for wired and wireless networks. Fibre-optic transceivers receive, convert and transmit network data, making 8517 62 00 00 the starting point for classification. The table repeats this code for different transceiver specifications; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, the supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The transceiver code has no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code against the module's function and datasheet before ordering. For the wider network equipment category, see Ethernet network switches. A low duty rate does not establish product compliance.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-mode fibre-optic network transceivers | 8517 62 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the optical link and the host
Specify the module form factor, data rate, fibre type, connector, wavelength, transmission distance and operating temperature range. For bidirectional modules, identify the matching transmit and receive wavelengths at opposite ends. Ask for optical output and receiver sensitivity specifications, rather than accepting a distance claim alone.
Record the host manufacturer, equipment model and firmware version. Approve samples in that host, with the intended fibre link and remote module. Check identification, diagnostic readings, link stability and error counters under traffic. Agree whether modules are new or refurbished, and require approval before changes to optical components or host coding.
Before sale in Great Britain, assess the applicable compliance route for the actual supply arrangement. Hazardous-substance rules control substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Under electromagnetic compatibility guidance, apparatus conformity marking should be visible, legible and indelible. Waste electrical equipment guidance distinguishes components supplied to businesses for building finished products; producers of equipment within scope must register annually. Use testing and certification to review the module and its intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 600 fibre-optic network transceivers under 8517 62 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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: compare model labels, serial records, host identification and diagnostic data with the approved sample and order specification.
Optics: inspect connector cleanliness and dust caps, then measure transmit power and link performance against the agreed specification.
Compatibility: test modules from the shipment in the nominated host and remote equipment, checking sustained traffic, error counters and reconnect behaviour.
Construction: check cage fit, latch operation, contact condition, packaging and batch traceability. Retain results using the inspection guide.
What goes wrong
A module can fit the cage yet be rejected by host firmware. A working short patch lead can also hide an optical mismatch that appears on the intended link. Other failures include reversed bidirectional pairings, dirty connectors, unstable diagnostic readings and excessive heat during sustained traffic.
Do not accept a replacement model solely because its label shows the same speed and distance. Repeat the host and optical checks after substitutions. Ask for compliance documents that identify the supplied model, rather than treating a generic certificate or a mark on the casing as proof for every variant.
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 fibre-optic transceivers from China?
The supplied tariff reading gives 0% under 8517 62 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm classification for the actual module; import VAT is normally 20%.
Will a Chinese transceiver work in my network switch?
Test the exact module in your switch model and firmware version. Matching the cage and stated speed does not establish host acceptance or optical compatibility.
What should I ask a transceiver factory to specify?
Ask for form factor, data rate, fibre type, connector, wavelengths, optical output, receiver sensitivity, temperature range and host coding. Define the remote module for bidirectional links.
Do transceiver modules need their own compliance marking?
Assess the actual module and supply arrangement before deciding. Ask for the reasoning behind the proposed compliance route and model-specific supporting documents; do not rely on a generic certificate.