Sourcing digitising tablets from China
Graphics digitising tablets classified under heading 8471 carry 0% UK duty from China; the supplied lines show no higher rate. For Great Britain sales, importers must check the manufacturer's electromagnetic conformity assessment. Cambridge China Bridge sources graphics digitising tablets.
Zero duty, with classification checked
Heading 8471 covers automatic data-processing machines and their units. For a screenless graphics digitising tablet used as a computer input device, check the other input/output units line, 8471 60 70 00. The table lists product variants against that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. Assess pen displays and standalone tablet computers separately.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied heading 8471 lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Zero duty does not remove import VAT, normally 20%.
Confirm the commodity code using the exact functions, connection method and whether the device contains a display or its own computer. Give the broker the specification and manual. See the wider computer and peripherals guide for the broader heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other input/output units: wired screenless graphics tablets | 8471 60 70 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the pen, working area and drivers
Agree the active drawing area, pen technology, pressure response, tilt support, shortcut buttons, surface texture and connection method. Specify whether the pen needs charging, which replacement nibs fit, and what accessories are included. Use an approved sample to define acceptable cursor tracking and drawing behaviour.
Name the operating systems, versions and drawing applications that the buyer actually uses. Test installation, pressure-sensitive strokes, shortcut mapping, display mapping and reconnection on those machines. Agree who supplies driver updates and replacement pens.
For Great Britain sales, importers must check that the manufacturer has carried out the appropriate electromagnetic conformity assessment. Hazardous-substance compliance requires technical documentation including a declaration of conformity. Request evidence matching the finished model and supplied cables. For wireless modules, confirm the applicable radio requirements and test evidence with the relevant authority.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of wired screenless graphics digitising tablets under 8471 60 70 00, 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 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,000, so it is £2,200. 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
Tracking: draw slow diagonals, circles and strokes near every edge; check jitter, dead areas, cursor jumps and pen lift-off against the approved sample.
Pressure: test light strokes, gradual pressure changes, tilt where specified, pen buttons and repeated nib contact. Check that lines do not break unexpectedly.
Compatibility: install the agreed driver on the buyer's target machines; test shortcuts, drawing applications, reconnection and any wireless pairing during quality inspection.
Identity and contents: match model and batch details to the documents; check the pen, nibs, cable and manual. Under electromagnetic compatibility rules, importer identification and a postal address belong on the equipment, with packaging or accompanying documentation permitted where this is not possible.
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What goes wrong
A tablet can move the cursor yet fail to deliver usable pressure-sensitive drawing in the buyer's application. Check the actual workflow rather than accepting a factory cursor demonstration. Changed pen electronics, surface materials or drivers can also make a repeat batch behave differently from the approved sample.
Do not treat a screenless drawing peripheral as a standalone tablet computer when reviewing documents. Keep the finished model, accessories and test evidence aligned. Electrical-equipment producers must register annually; review the registration route for your business before selling through the testing and certification service.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on graphics tablets from China?
The supplied heading 8471 lines carry 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the exact code; import VAT normally remains payable at 20%.
Does a graphics tablet use the same code as a pen display?
Do not assume so. Check whether the product is a screenless computer input device, a display with pen input or a standalone computer, then confirm its classification with your broker.
How do I check pressure sensitivity before shipment?
Use the agreed driver and drawing application. Compare light strokes, gradual pressure changes and repeated strokes with the approved sample, including near the working area's edges.
What should I specify for replacement pens?
Agree the compatible pen model, charging method if applicable, buttons and nib type. Test replacement pens on production tablets, rather than relying on appearance or a shared connector.