Sourcing frequency counters from China

Zero duty on the relevant tariff lines

Heading 9030 covers instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities. For frequency counters, the relevant descriptions include other instruments, instruments with a recording device, telecommunications-specific instruments, and parts. These are classification candidates, rather than interchangeable codes for every counter.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Zero duty does not remove product compliance responsibilities.

Confirm the commodity code using the counter's functions, recording capability and intended application. Do not assume that displaying frequency makes a multifunction instrument a standalone counter. See the oscilloscopes and multimeters guide for the wider heading.

Specify the timebase and input conditions

Specify frequency range, input sensitivity across that range, input impedance, coupling, trigger adjustment and maximum permitted input. Define gate time, update behaviour, timebase accuracy, warm-up conditions and temperature dependence. State whether period measurement, pulse counting, an external reference input or data recording is needed. Display digits alone do not establish measurement accuracy.

For sale in Great Britain, check the manufacturer's electromagnetic compatibility conformity assessment and provide your importer name and postal address on the equipment, or where that is not possible, on its packaging or accompanying documentation. For equipment within the hazardous-substance restrictions, importers must be able to evidence compliance. For mains-powered instruments, confirm with the relevant authority or your customs broker whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 apply.

Ask for calibration evidence matched to each serial number and, for professional use, traceability to national standards. Confirm any waste electrical equipment obligations with the relevant environmental authority or your customs broker. Settle the documentation for the exact counter and supplied power equipment through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of bench frequency counters for a business reseller under 9030 89 00 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £27,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,200, so it is £5,440. 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

Readings: compare sampled counters against a calibrated signal source across the ordered range, using the agreed gate time and warm-up conditions. Record frequency error rather than merely confirming a stable display.

Inputs: check sensitivity with reduced signal levels, trigger behaviour, coupling and input settings against the specification. Confirm connectors and supplied cables match the approved sample.

Reference and recording: test external-reference operation where ordered, then check saved readings, exported files and remote commands against the actual delivered firmware.

Documents and build: match serial numbers to calibration records, labels and model-specific reports. Check English manuals, power equipment, controls and packaging during quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A counter may show a steady reading while its internal timebase gives an unacceptable frequency error. Weak signals can produce missed triggers or unstable readings, and the advertised upper range may only be achievable with stronger inputs than the buyer expects. Agree acceptance conditions before approving the sample.

Check for substituted oscillators, changed input circuits and firmware that cannot export the promised data. A report for a similar model does not establish the delivered model's performance. Compare the shipment with the approved specification and investigate discrepancies before accepting it.

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.