Sourcing Forklift Trucks from China
Chinese forklift trucks carry 4% ordinary UK duty across the selected lines. Several codes also carry a boom-lift trade-remedy measure, so confirm the product-scope exclusion rather than adding it automatically. Machinery for Great Britain needs appropriate CE or UKCA marking. Cambridge China Bridge sources forklift trucks.
Forklift codes and duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 8427 covers forklift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. The selected lines all carry 4% ordinary duty for China, rather than a varying duty range. Lithium and lead-acid trucks share the electric classification; propulsion, lifting height and rough-terrain design determine the relevant line.
The snapshot attaches provisional anti-dumping duty of 71.74% to several selected codes, but the published background identifies a boom-lift case with an exclusion declaration for goods outside its scope. Do not automatically charge this to a goods-handling forklift. No suspension or separate countervailing rate is recorded. Anti-dumping registration, fluorinated-gas import controls and waste import and export controls are also attached where shown; ask your broker to confirm the applicable declarations.
Check any cab air-conditioning refrigerant: pre-charged equipment can include air-conditioning within vehicles. Imported equipment containing fluorinated gas must be labelled. For goods from China classified as waste under notification controls, the exporter applies to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the full waste requirements with your broker before shipping. Confirm the commodity code from the actual specification; see the electric forklift guide for that part of the family.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric forklifts, reach trucks and stackers lifting at least 1 m | 8427 10 10 90 | 4% | 71.74% residual anti-dumping (provisional) |
| Electric pallet trucks and other electric trucks lifting below 1 m | 8427 10 90 00 | 4% | 71.74% residual anti-dumping (provisional) |
| Diesel or LPG counterbalance trucks lifting at least 1 m | 8427 20 19 90 | 4% | 71.74% residual anti-dumping (provisional) |
| Rough-terrain forklifts and stacking trucks lifting at least 1 m | 8427 20 11 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the truck, battery and support package
Specify rated capacity at the required load centre and lift height, mast type, lowered mast height, free lift, fork dimensions, attachments, tyres and aisle clearance. Distinguish lithium and lead-acid counterbalance trucks, diesel and LPG trucks, reach trucks and pallet stackers. Give the maker your pallet dimensions, floor conditions, gradients and intended working environment.
For lithium trucks, request the battery and charger model pairing, battery-management protections, fault records and charging instructions. For lead-acid trucks, specify watering access and charging ventilation. HSE advises using a charging unit recommended by the vehicle or battery manufacturer and a dedicated, well-ventilated charging area. Agree the charger input supply, connector and charging procedure before ordering.
For Great Britain, CE or UKCA marking is accepted under the machinery guidance. Ask for the exact truck's declaration, English operating and maintenance instructions, load chart and supporting test records; obtain separate charger documentation. Agree spare-part identifiers, controller diagnostics, battery warranty exclusions, responsibility for repairs and access to technical support.
Use factory verification to check whether the seller actually builds the trucks: match the contracting company to the production site, assembly operations, testing equipment and serial-number records. Compare full pre-shipment payment by T/T with a deposit and balance against accepted inspection. The latter leaves money unpaid while defects are corrected; put acceptance criteria and payment triggers in writing. Use quote checking to compare what each offer includes.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: One diesel counterbalance forklift; illustrative values, not a quotation under 8427 20 19 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,000. Duty at 4% is £440. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,440, so it is £2,288. Import taxes total £2,728; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £440 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and capacity: match serial numbers, mast, attachments, battery and charger to the order and load chart; repeat these checks on arrival.
Lifting and travel: have a competent tester check lifting under the agreed load, mast movement, chains, forks, hydraulic leaks, brakes, steering and parking brake.
Battery and charger: check connectors, cable protection, charging operation and fault indications; inspect lithium housings for damage and lead-acid batteries for leaks.
Documents and service: reconcile the declaration, marking, English instructions and parts catalogue with the delivered truck. Arrange LOLER thorough examinations once in use; HSE says only a competent person may undertake them.
What goes wrong
A capacity headline can hide reduced capacity at your required height or with an attachment. A mast may not pass through the warehouse door, a reach truck may not suit the floor, or the supplied charger may not suit your electrical supply. Inspect against the agreed configuration before releasing the balance and check for transport damage on arrival.
A trader may offer a truck without direct access to its maker's diagnostics or parts records. Unidentified controllers, substituted batteries and unclear repair responsibilities can make after-sales support difficult. Full payment before shipment removes the unpaid balance that could otherwise support correction of inspection defects; a deposit arrangement helps only if acceptance and release terms are clear.
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 forklifts from China?
The selected lines carry 4% ordinary duty. Several also show a provisional 71.74% boom-lift measure; confirm the case scope and exclusion declaration for your forklift. No suspension is recorded.
Can I use the same charger for lithium and lead-acid forklifts?
Do not assume interchangeability. Specify the battery and charger pairing and obtain the maker's charging instructions. HSE advises using a charging unit recommended by the vehicle or battery manufacturer.
Do imported forklifts need LOLER examinations?
Plan LOLER thorough examinations once the trucks are in use. HSE says these must only be undertaken by a competent person. Agree the examination arrangements with your examiner.
Should I pay the whole forklift invoice before shipment?
Compare full pre-shipment T/T with a deposit and balance against accepted inspection. Keeping a balance unpaid supports correction of defects, provided the contract clearly defines acceptance and payment release.