Sourcing gas CHP generating sets from China

Duty on gas CHP generating sets

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. The selected lines cover spark-ignition engine generating sets, relevant to gas-engine CHP packages. Confirm the engine type and rated apparent electrical output rather than choosing a code from the recovered heat rating. For diesel-powered equipment, see sourcing diesel generating sets.

The selected Chinese-origin lines all carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the complete package and its commodity code before shipment, particularly where heat-recovery equipment arrives separately. See the wider generators guide for other generating sets. For water-powered equipment, see our hydroelectric generating set sourcing guide. For steam-powered equipment, see our steam-turbine generating set sourcing guide. For gas turbines, see our gas turbine generating set sourcing guide.

Specify the gas supply and useful heat

State whether the engine will use natural gas or biogas, and give the factory the available gas composition, supply pressure and treatment arrangement. Specify continuous electrical output separately from recoverable heat, including the heating-water flow and return temperatures. Ask for performance data at your proposed operating conditions. For biogas-fuelled models, see our biogas generating set sourcing guide.

Define the supply boundary: engine, alternator, gas train, heat exchangers, pumps, controls, exhaust silencer and enclosure. Agree standalone or parallel operation, access for maintenance, lifting points and replacement parts. Obtain the machinery conformity assessment, declaration of conformity and relevant marking for the complete package supplied to Great Britain.

For an installation in England or Wales, assess whether medium combustion plant or specified generator rules apply. An environmental permit is required where those rules apply. Give the site adviser the fuel, rated thermal input, operating pattern and exhaust arrangement before accepting the factory configuration.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: A gas CHP generating package for a business premises, illustrative under 8502 20 40 90, invoiced at £90,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £95,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £95,000, so it is £19,000. 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 and documents: match engine, alternator and package plates to the order, drawings and conformity documents. Compare the delivered configuration with the tested configuration.

Electrical performance: witness a sustained load test at the agreed continuous output. Record voltage, frequency, fuel consumption and protective shutdown operation.

Heat recovery: measure water flow and inlet and outlet temperatures during the load test. Check the heat balance, exchanger connections, insulation and signs of leakage.

Arrival condition: inspect mountings, exhaust joints, gas connections and control wiring for transit damage. Reconcile loose components and spares with the packing list before quality inspection is closed.

What goes wrong

A package can deliver the promised electrical output while its recovered heat is unsuitable for the building. A heat rating based on different water temperatures, missing pumps or an omitted exhaust heat exchanger can change the result. Agree a combined electrical and thermal acceptance test instead of accepting an engine brochure alone.

Other failure points include a gas train selected for the wrong supply conditions, inaccessible service parts and documents covering a different enclosure or control panel. Resolve these discrepancies before dispatch, and retain the agreed drawings and witnessed test results for comparison on arrival.

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.