Sourcing high-voltage earthing switches from China
The relevant switch lines carry 2% UK duty from China, with no duty variation between them. Match the earthing switch to the installation's fault ratings and interlocks, and obtain design-specific test evidence. Gas-containing equipment needs an F-gas control check. Cambridge China Bridge sources high-voltage earthing switches.
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Duty and classification for earthing switches
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8535 covers switching and protection apparatus for voltages exceeding 1,000 V. The relevant isolating and make-and-break switch lines carry 2% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded for those lines.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases to both switch lines. For equipment containing regulated F gas, imported products must be labelled. Confirm the gas content and applicable customs documents with your broker before shipment. The tariff file also records a mercury export control; ask your broker whether it is relevant to the proposed transaction.
The table shows manual and motor-operated variants sharing the same tariff lines, rather than separate codes for each mechanism. Confirm the commodity code using the voltage, switching function and whether the shipment is a separate switch or an assembly. See the high-voltage disconnectors guide for the wider switching family.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual earthing switches below 72.5 kV, subject to classification | 8535 30 10 90 | 2% | None |
| Manual earthing switches at 72.5 kV or above, subject to classification | 8535 30 90 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the earthing duty and interlocks
Specify rated voltage, insulation withstand, short-time withstand current and its duration, peak withstand current, and any required short-circuit making duty. Describe indoor or outdoor service, terminal layout, mounting dimensions, operating mechanism and control supply. Agree the mechanical and electrical interlocks with the associated disconnector or circuit breaker, including the required position indication.
Use the earthing-switch provisions of BS EN 62271 part 102 as the specification reference. Match type test reports to the offered design and ratings, and agree acceptance with the buyer's engineer or network operator before ordering. Confirm with the relevant authority whether equipment above 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC is outside the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016; any scope exclusion does not establish suitability for the installation.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 40 motor-operated high-voltage earthing switches under 8535 30 10 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 nameplates, serial numbers, drawings and test records to the ordered switch and operating mechanism.
Contacts and earth path: check contact alignment, full engagement, earthing connections and recorded contact resistance against the agreed specification.
Mechanism and interlocks: witness opening and closing on isolated equipment; check travel, locking, auxiliary contacts and agreement between actual position and indication. People carrying out electrical work must be competent.
Arrival condition: inspect insulators, linkages, terminals and packing for cracks, distortion, corrosion or moisture. For gas-containing assemblies, check the gas label and factory leak-test record. Use the inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A report for a related disconnector can be mistaken for evidence covering the supplied earthing switch. Other problems include unsupported making-duty claims, interlocks that do not match the host switchgear, an indicator showing closed before contacts fully engage, and distorted linkages after transport.
Agree drawings and acceptance criteria before production, record witnessed operation and routine test results, and repeat the agreed mechanical checks after arrival. Refer unresolved rating or interlock discrepancies to the installation engineer before acceptance. Keep a gas-containing assembly on hold until its labelling and customs-control questions are resolved.
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 high-voltage earthing switches from China?
The relevant switch lines carry 2% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. Confirm classification before using either code.
Which commodity code covers a high-voltage earthing switch?
Candidate switch codes are 8535 30 10 90 below 72.5 kV and 8535 30 90 90 for the other voltage band. Ask your broker to confirm the switching function and whether it is imported separately or in an assembly.
What test evidence should I ask the Chinese factory for?
Request type test reports matching the exact design and fault ratings, plus routine test records for the supplied switches. Agree how contact engagement, operating travel and interlocks will be witnessed.
Does an earthing switch containing SF6 need extra checks?
Yes. Imported products containing regulated F gas must be labelled. Check the gas content, label and leak-test evidence, and confirm the tariff control and customs documents with your broker.