Sourcing automatic reclosers from China
High-voltage automatic reclosers from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant automatic circuit-breaker lines, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. Match the supplied design to its type tests and obtain network approval before connection. Cambridge China Bridge sources high-voltage automatic reclosers.
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UK duty on automatic reclosers
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 8535 covers switching and circuit-protection apparatus for voltages exceeding 1,000 V. Automatic reclosers interrupt faults and can close again according to their controller settings. The table shows recloser configurations within the automatic circuit-breaker lines; repeated codes represent different designs within the same tariff line.
The relevant automatic circuit-breaker lines carry 2% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension for these lines. It attaches an export control of mercury, rather than an import control, to both lines. For gas-containing equipment, identify the gas before ordering: imported products containing regulated fluorinated gas must be labelled.
Confirm the commodity code using the rated voltage, switching function and supplied configuration. Below 72.5 kV, the candidate line is 8535 21 00 90; the other automatic circuit-breaker line is 8535 29 00 90. Separately supplied controllers and accessories need their own classification review. See the wider high-voltage switchgear guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum automatic reclosers below 72.5 kV | 8535 21 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Automatic reclosers rated 72.5 kV or above | 8535 29 00 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the recloser and its controller together
State the rated voltage, continuous current, fault-breaking duty, insulation design, mounting arrangement and terminal connections. Specify the protection curves, earth-fault functions, reclosing sequence, lockout behaviour and manual operating controls. Agree controller supply, backup power, communications interfaces and the settings file to be delivered.
The network operator or buyer's engineer approves equipment against type test reports and technical specifications before connection. Obtain reports matching the supplied interrupter, insulation and operating mechanism. Agree routine tests and controller demonstrations before manufacture, with testing and certification support where needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of 40 vacuum automatic reclosers for 11 kV networks under 8535 21 00 90, invoiced at £120,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £124,000. Duty at 2% is £2,480. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £126,480, so it is £25,296. Import taxes total £27,776; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,480 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match serial numbers, nameplates, drawings and test records to the ordered recloser and controller.
Protection: demonstrate fault detection, trip, reclose and lockout against the agreed settings; confirm settings remain after a power interruption.
Electrical condition: review withstand, contact-resistance and mechanical-operation results; inspect insulation for cracks and gas-filled designs for leakage evidence.
Arrival: inspect bushings, terminals, mounting brackets, controller seals and cable connectors for transport damage; reconcile accessories and manuals with the packing list.
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What goes wrong
A breaker test report can look relevant while covering a different interrupter or rating. Controller settings can also fail to coordinate with upstream protection, causing unnecessary trips or repeated closing onto a persistent fault. Agree the protection study inputs and demonstrate the supplied controller with the actual mechanism.
Vacuum loss, cracked insulation, leaking gas seals and damaged bushings can undermine an otherwise correct specification. Missing control cables or incompatible connectors delay commissioning. Hold damaged or mismatched equipment for engineering review and record defects before accepting the shipment.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on automatic reclosers from China?
The relevant automatic circuit-breaker lines in heading 8535 carry 2% duty. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for these lines.
Do high-voltage automatic reclosers need UKCA marking?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations apply to the recloser and assess a separately supplied controller independently.
What should I ask the factory to test?
Ask for design-matched type tests, routine electrical and mechanical results, and a demonstration of fault detection, reclosing, lockout and controller backup power against your agreed specification.
Does a vacuum recloser avoid fluorinated-gas rules?
Check the insulation medium as well as the interrupter. A vacuum interrupter does not establish that the complete unit is gas-free. Imported products containing regulated fluorinated gas must be labelled.