Sourcing jobsite radios from China
Jobsite radios from China pay 0% UK duty across the relevant battery-capable and mains-only lines of heading 8527. Before sale in Great Britain, they must meet the radio equipment essential requirements. Specify reception, battery fit and ruggedness separately. Cambridge China Bridge sources jobsite radios.
Zero duty on the relevant jobsite radio lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the selected jobsite radio lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT.
Heading 8527 covers broadcast radio receivers, including receivers combined with sound recording or reproduction or a clock. For jobsite models, establish whether the radio can operate without external power and whether it combines sound reproduction. A battery-capable model needs assessing on that basis even when a mains adapter is included.
Send the broker the tuner specification, power options and playback functions to confirm the commodity code. A speaker without a broadcast tuner belongs elsewhere. See the wider guide to radios and digital receivers.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery-capable jobsite radios combined with sound reproduction | 8527 13 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other battery-capable jobsite radios | 8527 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Mains-only jobsite radios combined with sound reproduction | 8527 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other mains-only jobsite radio receivers | 8527 99 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify reception, battery fit and site use
Define digital broadcast reception, including the enhanced format, and FM reception. Agree antenna construction, station presets, display readability and controls usable with work gloves. Specify speaker performance against an approved sample rather than relying on an output claim.
List the exact tool-battery families and pack models to be supported. State whether batteries and adapters are included, whether the radio charges a pack or only draws power, and how it changes between battery and mains operation. Agree handle strength, protective bumpers, socket covers and evidence for any dust or water resistance claim.
For broadcast receivers, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable safety, electromagnetic compatibility, spectrum and UKCA or CE marking requirements under the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. Also confirm which electrical equipment waste duties and, for battery models, battery obligations apply. The importer must not place radio equipment on the Great Britain market unless it meets the essential requirements.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of battery-capable jobsite radios with sound reproduction under 8527 13 00 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £29,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,200, so it is £5,840. 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
Reception: test approved samples on UK broadcasts and compare reception at the same location with a reference radio. At inspection, check scanning, presets, antenna movement and sound for distortion or cabinet rattle.
Power: fit the specified battery packs, check latch engagement and contacts, and test mains operation and power changes. Confirm whether charging works as agreed, and inspect adapter plugs, fuses and output markings.
Construction: check handles, bumpers, feet, battery doors and socket covers against the approved sample. Test buttons with gloves and check that packaging protects the antenna and controls.
Compliance evidence: match the model and its wireless functions to the test reports and declaration of conformity. Check UKCA or CE marking, the electrical equipment waste symbol and English instructions. For rechargeable models, check the cell safety evidence and relevant air-freight shipping documents.
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What goes wrong
A rugged case can hide weak reception or rattling speakers. A battery pack may slide into the housing but fail to latch securely or make reliable contact. Buyers can also mistake a battery-powered radio for a battery charger. Resolve these points with the intended packs and a UK-tested sample before approving production.
Treat dust and water resistance as a claim to verify against the finished design. Check whether any test evidence covers the supplied socket covers, battery door and adapter arrangement. On arrival, isolate units with cracked housings, loose contacts or inconsistent reception and record the faults against the approved sample.
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 jobsite radios from China?
The relevant battery-capable and mains-only lines of heading 8527 carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data. No trade remedies, suspensions or import controls are recorded for those lines.
Will a jobsite radio charge my tool batteries?
Do not assume so. Specify whether it charges packs or only uses them for power, then test the agreed function with the exact battery models.
Do jobsite radios need UKCA or CE marking?
Yes. Broadcast receivers fall under the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. Check the marking, declaration of conformity and supporting evidence for the exact model.
How do I check a waterproof jobsite radio claim?
Ask for test evidence matching the finished housing, battery door and socket covers. Agree the intended exposure and check the supplied construction against the tested sample.