Sourcing infrared heat lamps from China
Infrared heat lamps from China carry 0% UK duty under 8539 49 00 00, with no trade remedy shown in the supplied tariff reading. Mains lamps need electrical safety compliance, supported by model-specific documentation rather than a mark alone. Cambridge China Bridge sources infrared heat lamps.
Infrared lamp duty and classification
Heading 8539 includes infrared lamps alongside other lamp families. This guide covers replacement infrared heat lamps, rather than complete heating appliances. The table shows product forms sharing the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, infrared lamps under 8539 49 00 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied line shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached control. Measures shown against other lamp lines should not be transferred to this line.
Send your broker the lamp drawing, construction, intended heating use and details of anything supplied with it to confirm the commodity code. For other filament lamp families, see tungsten halogen lamps.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared heat lamps, reflector bulb type | 8539 49 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the lamp and its heating use
Specify supply voltage, rated power, cap geometry, overall dimensions, heated length, reflector finish and glass colour. Identify the intended holder, mounting orientation and heating task. Agree how heating performance will be compared with an approved sample, using the same fixture, distance and operating conditions.
For mains lamps, obtain electrical safety technical documentation and a declaration matching the actual model. Review hazardous-substance compliance rather than accepting a report for an unrelated lamp. Importers must ensure equipment is accompanied by instructions in easily understandable English. Include installation, hot-surface and handling information suited to the intended use; arrange a testing review before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Small trial batch of infrared heat lamps; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 8539 49 00 00, invoiced at £200 free on board, with £100 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £300, so it is £60. 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: compare cap geometry, contact position and lamp dimensions with the approved drawing and intended holder.
Glass and packing: inspect for cracks, loose caps, damaged seals and glass fragments; check that individual protection prevents lamps touching in transit.
Operation: have competent personnel check starting, electrical performance and heating consistency in the agreed fixture, including repeated heating and cooling.
Identification: compare model markings, rated voltage and power, batch identification and supplied instructions with the approved sample and documentation.
What goes wrong
A lamp can fit the holder yet deliver the wrong heating pattern. Changes to the filament, reflector or glass can alter performance while the outside looks unchanged. Record the approved construction and require written approval before substitutions.
Fragile glass and projecting contacts can suffer hidden transit damage. Separate damaged stock on arrival, photograph the packaging and compare failures with retained samples. Include packing and operating checks in the inspection brief.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on infrared heat lamps from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows 0% under 8539 49 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached control.
Are infrared heat lamps classified as ordinary halogen lamps?
The supplied tariff separates infrared lamps from other filament lamps, whose descriptions exclude infrared lamps. Confirm the actual construction and use with your broker.
What should I ask the factory for before ordering?
Ask for a dimensioned drawing, rated voltage and power, cap details, approved sample, heating comparison method and model-specific compliance documentation.
What should I check when the lamps arrive?
Check glass, seals, caps, contacts and packaging, then compare sampled lamps with the approved drawing and heating performance in the agreed fixture.