Sourcing gas, water and electricity meters from China
Gas meters, liquid meters including water meters, electricity meters and their parts from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Water, gas, electricity and heat meters are listed in Schedule 1 of the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016, so meters for those regulated uses need conformity assessment and marking. Cambridge China Bridge sources meters and sub-meters with that evidence.
Gas, water and electricity meters and their parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Measuring Instruments Regulations and smart meter security explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, gas meters, liquid meters, single-phase and multiphase electricity meters, other electricity supply meters, and parts of each carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Heat meters, flow sensors and data loggers may sit under other headings; confirm the commodity code for each item.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas meters | 9028 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Liquid meters, including water meters | 9028 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Electricity meters, single-phase | 9028 30 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Electricity meters, multiphase | 9028 30 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Other electricity supply meters | 9028 30 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of electricity meters | 9028 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other parts and accessories | 9028 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Measuring Instruments Regulations
Schedule 1 of the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 lists water meters, gas meters and volume conversion devices, active electrical energy meters and thermal energy meters among the instruments it covers. Where a meter is used for those regulated purposes, it needs conformity assessment by an approved body and the conformity and metrology marking before it is placed on the market.
Ask the factory which accuracy class and module the certificate covers, and check the certificate against the model on the sample.
Smart and connected meters
A meter with a radio or network link is radio equipment and, for consumer products, a connectable product under the PSTI rules. Smart meters installed by energy suppliers also have to meet the government's smart metering equipment specifications, so agree the target specification before sampling.
Electricity meters bring WEEE obligations like other electricals.
Testing and inspection
Ask for accuracy test reports at several flow rates or loads, check seals and display, and test communications on samples. At inspection, check serial numbers, markings and calibration labels against the certificate.
Cambridge China Bridge sources gas, water and electricity meters and sub-meters, with metrology and security evidence settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on water meters from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, water, gas and electricity meters and their parts carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Do meters need approval in the UK?
Meters used for the purposes covered by the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 need conformity assessment by an approved body and the conformity and metrology marking.
Which meters are listed in Schedule 1?
Water meters, gas meters and volume conversion devices, active electrical energy meters and thermal energy meters, among other instruments.
Do smart meters fall under PSTI?
Consumer meters that connect to a network can be connectable products, and supplier-installed smart meters must meet the smart metering equipment specifications.