Sourcing industrial friction clutches from China
The supplied tariff lines show 0% UK duty for cast iron or cast steel clutches from China; separately supplied shafts and plain bearings carry 2% to 4%. Supplying articles containing asbestos is illegal, so check the friction lining as well as torque and fit. Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial friction clutches.
Duty on clutches and separately supplied parts
Heading 8483 covers power transmission components, including clutches and shaft couplings. This guide concerns industrial friction clutches. The table includes the supplied cast iron or cast steel clutch line and related components bought separately; it does not establish a code for every friction clutch design.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected clutch and cast transmission-part lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The selected separate transmission shafts carried 4%, and plain shaft bearings 2%. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, tariff suspension or attached import control. That does not remove the asbestos supply prohibition.
Confirm the commodity code using the construction, materials and condition as supplied. The supplied starter-motor overrunning-clutch line is not a general industrial friction-clutch description. For related products within the heading, see flexible shaft couplings. For belt-drive components, see our V-belt pulley sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutches and shaft couplings of cast iron or cast steel, other | 8483 60 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Other cast iron or cast steel transmission parts | 8483 90 81 90 | 0% | None |
| Other transmission shafts supplied separately | 8483 10 95 90 | 4% | None |
| Other plain shaft bearings supplied separately | 8483 30 80 90 | 2% | None |
Specify torque, engagement and friction linings
State transmitted torque, shaft speed, driven inertia, engagement frequency and the actual load cycle. Specify dry or wet operation, friction material, cooling, actuation method, release behaviour and permitted slip. Agree a test that reproduces the intended operating cycle rather than accepting a catalogue torque rating alone.
Send drawings covering bore, keyway or spline, mounting faces, axial space and mating components. For replacements, check the sample against the existing machine. Ask for lining composition and batch-linked test evidence: supplying articles containing asbestos is illegal, including supplies made free of charge.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 cast iron industrial friction clutches under 8483 60 20 90, 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 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,200, so it is £1,840. 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
Fit: measure bores, keyways, splines and mounting faces against the approved drawing; check assembled runout and axial clearance.
Friction pack: check lining identity, thickness, attachment, plate flatness and freedom from oil contamination where dry operation is specified.
Operation: test transmitted torque, engagement and release under the agreed load cycle; record slip, drag, temperature and wear against the agreed acceptance limits.
Arrival: check corrosion, damaged actuation connections, loose fasteners and batch identification before installation. Compare delivered units with the approved sample and inspection records; see quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A clutch can fit the shaft yet slip or overheat because its rating does not cover repeated engagement or the driven inertia. A substituted lining can change friction and wear behaviour. Warped plates, incorrect clearance or sticking actuation can leave the clutch dragging after release.
Keep an approved sample and record the lining formulation, mating dimensions and acceptance test in the purchase specification. Investigate inconsistent engagement or release before fitting the batch. Resolve missing material evidence before accepting friction linings.
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 industrial friction clutches from China?
The supplied cast iron or cast steel clutch line, 8483 60 20 90, carries 0%. Selected separate shafts carry 4% and plain bearings 2%. Confirm the code for your clutch's construction.
Can I buy a replacement clutch by shaft diameter alone?
No. Match the mounting, keyway or spline, axial space, torque, speed, actuation and engagement cycle. Check sample fit and operation on the intended machine.
Can industrial clutch linings contain asbestos?
Supplying any article containing asbestos is illegal, whether paid for or free. Specify asbestos-free linings and obtain composition and test evidence linked to the supplied batch.
What should I test before accepting friction clutches?
Check fit, plate flatness and lining identity, then test torque, engagement, release, slip, drag and temperature over the agreed operating cycle.