Sourcing flow meters and pressure gauges from China
Flow meters, level instruments, pressure gauges and pressure transmitters from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Instruments for explosive atmospheres need ATEX-style certification under the 2016 regulations, and meters used for trade may fall under the Measuring Instruments Regulations. Cambridge China Bridge sources process instruments.
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Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, electronic and other flow meters and level instruments for liquids, electronic pressure instruments, spiral or diaphragm pressure gauges, other pressure instruments, other instruments of heading 9026, and parts carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. For the reverse route, see UK flow instrument exports to China. For ultrasonic level instruments, see our guide to sourcing ultrasonic liquid-level sensors.
Water, gas and electricity supply meters are in heading 9028 instead; see the meters guide. Confirm the commodity code. For aneroid barometers, see our aneroid barometer sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic flow meters for liquids | 9026 10 21 00 | 0% | None |
| Other flow meters for liquids | 9026 10 81 00 | 0% | None |
| Electronic pressure instruments | 9026 20 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Spiral or metal diaphragm pressure gauges | 9026 20 40 00 | 0% | None |
| Other electronic instruments, such as gas flow meters | 9026 80 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories | 9026 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Hazardous areas
Transmitters and flow meters intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres must meet the Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016. Ask for the declaration of conformity and any certificate required for the equipment category, the equipment group and category, and the protection marking, and check them on the sample label.
Trade use and calibration
Where a meter measures liquids for sale, it may be a measuring system under the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016, which needs conformity assessment. For process use, ask for a calibration certificate for each instrument, with points across the range you will use.
Specify process connection, wetted materials, output signal, accuracy and ingress protection rating. For automatic pressure control, see our pressure controller sourcing guide. For switch purchasing, see our differential pressure switch sourcing guide.
Worked duty example
Take a hypothetical order of 800 electromagnetic flow meters, entered under 9026 10 21 00: £96,000 free on board plus £3,500 of freight and insurance gives a customs value of £99,500. Electronic flow meters carry no duty, so import VAT of 20% on £99,500, £19,900, is the only tax. A VAT-registered importer normally reclaims it, so the border adds no lasting cost. Step by step: UK import duty and VAT.
Inspection checklist
Calibration: each flow meter's calibration certificate matched to its serial number, with points across the range the buyer will use and a rig traceable to national standards, such as a weighing rig of the kind described in ISO 4185, and a sample of meters re-checked at an independent UKAS-accredited flow laboratory before bulk release.
Pressure gauges: Bourdon tube gauges checked against the accuracy class and dimensions ordered under BS EN 837-1 and diaphragm gauges under BS EN 837-3 by comparison with a calibrated reference gauge at several points rising and falling, liquid-filled cases checked for leaks after temperature cycling, and connection threads checked with gauges.
Hazardous area and sealing: ATEX or UKEX certificates matched to the model and the marking on the label, including the equipment group, category and protection concept under the BS EN IEC 60079 series, enclosures tested to the IP rating claimed under BS EN 60529, and flange drilling and face checked against the standard ordered.
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What goes wrong
Flow meters and gauges fail on accuracy, sealing and certificates. Meters calibrated on a different fluid or pipe size read wrong in the buyer's system, pressure gauges drift or stick when the movement is poor, and glycerine-filled gauges leak at the case. Transmitters for hazardous areas arrive with certificates that do not match the model or marking, and flange and thread standards do not match UK pipework.
Check calibration certificates against serial numbers and ask for the calibration method and reference, test samples on a rig at several flow rates or pressures, check flange standards and threads, check ATEX or UKEX certificates and markings against the model, and check IP rating and cable entries.
Inspection
At inspection, check calibration certificates against serial numbers, thread and flange sizes, and dial or display readings on a test rig.
Cambridge China Bridge sources flow meters, pressure gauges and transmitters, with certification and calibration settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Related guides: Sourcing weighing scales from China.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on pressure gauges from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, pressure gauges, flow meters and other heading 9026 instruments carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Do instruments for hazardous areas need certification?
Yes. Equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres must meet the 2016 regulations, with the appropriate conformity assessment, declaration of conformity and protection marking. Third-party certification depends on the equipment category.
Are fuel dispensing meters covered by metrology law?
Measuring systems for liquids other than water are listed in the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 and need conformity assessment when used for regulated purposes.
Where are water meters classified?
In heading 9028, as supply meters, not in 9026.
Sources
- UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
- Equipment and Protective Systems Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2016
- Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016, Schedule 1
- GOV.UK — equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmos
- GOV.UK — atex.htm