Sourcing gas turbine generating sets from China

Zero duty on the turbo-generator line

Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. For a complete gas turbine generating set, the relevant supplied line is 8502 39 20 90, described as turbo-generators, other. The table shows purchasing configurations sharing that line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the supplied turbo-generator line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for that line. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.

Give your customs broker the turbine and alternator specifications, package drawings and shipment contents to confirm the commodity code. For the wider generating-set buying context, see gas CHP generating sets. For Stirling-engine equipment, see our Stirling generating set sourcing guide.

Specify fuel, site output and package boundaries

Specify fuel composition, inlet pressure, continuous electrical output at the site's ambient conditions, voltage, frequency and operating mode. Identify whether the package includes the gas booster, alternator, power electronics, controls, enclosure, exhaust silencer and heat recovery equipment. Agree output and fuel-consumption acceptance criteria for the configuration being supplied.

Confirm the set's machinery conformity assessment and electrical safety evidence requirements with the relevant product safety authority. CE marking remains recognised in Great Britain, and the machinery must bear the relevant conformity marking. Ask for model-matched conformity documents, test evidence and operating instructions through testing and certification.

Both medium combustion plant and specified generator regulations can apply to generators. For a site in England or Wales, ask the installation adviser to assess both before ordering. Obtain the supplier's rated thermal input and emissions data alongside electrical output; these describe different aspects of the package.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: A packaged microturbine generating set for business premises, illustrative only under 8502 39 20 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 condition: match turbine, alternator and controller serial numbers to the order and documents. On arrival, inspect mounts, lifting points, enclosure panels and connectors for movement or impact damage.

Fuel and exhaust: check pipework, valves, filters and connection sizes against the drawings. Witness leak checks and confirm the exhaust arrangement, insulation and heat recovery connections match the tested package.

Performance and protection: witness a load test using the agreed fuel and conditions. Record output, fuel consumption, voltage, frequency, vibration and exhaust temperature; demonstrate shutdowns, alarms and emergency stopping.

Documents and preservation: match conformity documents to the delivered model and configuration. Check wiring drawings, maintenance instructions, spare-parts lists and transit preservation. Define the evidence required in the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A headline output can conceal losses from hot ambient air, altitude or auxiliary equipment. A fuel supply outside the agreed composition or pressure can cause unstable running or reduced output. Compare the factory test conditions with the actual installation conditions before accepting performance claims.

Package omissions also cause disputes: the gas booster, exhaust equipment or control interfaces may be outside the quoted scope. Conformity paperwork for a turbine alone does not describe the purchased package. Attach a package drawing, component schedule and witnessed test record to the purchase specification.

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.