Sourcing hedge trimmers from China

UK duty on hedge trimmers

Heading 8467 covers powered tools for working in the hand and their parts. For hedge trimmers, distinguish cordless electric tools, corded electric tools, petrol-powered tools and separately imported parts. The hand-held power tools guide covers the wider heading.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, cordless and corded electric hedge-trimmer lines carried 2% duty for goods from China. The non-electric tool line and other parts line carried 0%. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the complete configuration and whether the shipment contains finished tools or parts before choosing the code. Separately supplied batteries and chargers need their own classification checks. Use finding your commodity code before the customs declaration.

Specify the blade and the cutting task

Specify usable cutting length, tooth opening, blade material, sharpening method, replacement blades and the branches the tool should cut. For pole models, define reach, head adjustment, locking mechanism and balance. Agree a cutting trial using representative hedge material and the intended operator.

For cordless models, identify the battery platform, supplied packs, charger, UK plug and replacement availability. For petrol models, request engine type-approval evidence and photographs of engine markings. Type approval demonstrates that an engine meets the latest emissions standards.

Obtain the exact model's machinery declaration of conformity, English instructions, marking and technical evidence. Confirm any applicable electrical, electromagnetic compatibility and battery requirements with the relevant authority for the supplied configuration. Check outdoor-noise coverage with the testing provider; equipment in scope must display the guaranteed sound power label and other appropriate marking.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 cordless hedge trimmers with batteries and chargers under 8467 29 20 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 2% is £184. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,384, so it is £1,876.80. Import taxes total £2,060.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £184 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Blade: check straightness, tooth damage, blade clearance, fasteners and the protective sheath against the approved sample.

Controls: check guards, handle security, switch operation and blade stopping against the agreed test procedure.

Performance: compare cutting quality, stalling, runtime, vibration and operator handling on the specified hedge material.

Delivery: match model identification, instructions and conformity documents to the tools received; check battery fit, charger configuration, pole locks and transit damage where relevant.

What goes wrong

A wide tooth opening alone does not establish cutting capacity. Include dense growth and the agreed branch sizes in the trial: snagging, repeated stalling and poor balance can make the tool unsuitable even when it runs smoothly without a load.

Watch for substituted battery packs, incompatible replacement blades and paperwork covering a different model. Employers using the tools should confirm any applicable workplace equipment and vibration duties with HSE. A declared laboratory vibration value does not establish the operator's real-use exposure.

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.