Sourcing laser particle size analysers from China
Laser particle size analysers using optical radiation and their identifiable parts have a UK duty range of 0% across the selected lines for China. Before selling in Great Britain, assess the applicable electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance requirements. Cambridge China Bridge sources laser particle size analysers.
UK duty on laser particle size analysers
Heading 9027 covers physical and chemical analysis instruments. Laser particle size analysers using optical radiation are candidates for 9027 50 00 00. The table repeats that line for wet, dry and combined configurations; these are purchasing configurations rather than separate tariff subdivisions. Identifiable parts and accessories may fall under 9027 90 00 00. See laboratory equipment for UK university labs for the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 10 December 2026, both selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or attached control. The separate residual line 9027 89 90 00 has an export control of mercury attached. If your broker proposes that line, ask them to confirm the control's relevance and requirements.
Confirm the commodity code using the operating principle, technical datasheet and complete shipment contents. Review separately shipped dispersion units, sample cells and replacement components individually rather than assigning every accessory the instrument's code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet-dispersion laser particle size analysers | 9027 50 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Identifiable analyser parts and accessories, subject to classification | 9027 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the sizing method and dispersion system
State whether you need laser diffraction or dynamic light scattering, and define the particle size distribution you need reported. Specify measurement range, repeatability, sample concentration, reporting basis and acceptance limits. For laser diffraction, agree the calculation model and the refractive-index inputs. Ask the factory to measure your representative samples using a documented preparation method.
For wet dispersion, specify liquid compatibility, wetted materials, circulation, cleaning and ultrasonic treatment. For dry dispersion, agree feeder behaviour, compressed-air needs, dispersion pressure and dust collection. Check whether preparation breaks fragile particles or leaves agglomerates intact. Define software access, raw-data export, calculation settings, replacement cells and local installation needs.
For Great Britain sales, assess electrical safety scope against the rated supply, including any external power supply, alongside electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance restrictions. For electrical equipment within scope, CE or UKCA marking can be used in Great Britain. Review declarations and supporting documents for the exact supplied configuration through testing and certification.
Ask for the laser classification, enclosure details and safe servicing instructions. HSE guidance requires employers to protect workers' eyes and skin from hazardous artificial optical radiation. Include routine operation, cleaning and service access when reviewing how the analyser will be used.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative laboratory order of a wet-dispersion laser particle size analyser, not a quotation under 9027 50 00 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Measurement: repeat the agreed reference-material and representative-sample tests before shipment and on arrival. Retain preparation details, calculation settings and results against the instrument serial number.
Dispersion: check circulation, leakage, bubbles and cleaning on wet systems; check feeding, air connections and dust containment on dry systems. Compare results after repeating the preparation procedure.
Optics and records: inspect accessible windows and cells for contamination or damage. Check background stability and confirm exported files retain sample identity, distribution data and calculation settings.
Identity and safety: match the analyser, dispersion unit and power supply to the order and conformity documents. Check enclosure condition and specified interlock operation using the supplier's procedure. Confirm with the relevant authority which English-instruction requirements apply to the supplied electrical equipment. Agree the scope through the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Results can disagree with an existing analyser because the measurement method, reporting basis, optical inputs or dispersion procedure differs. Stronger dispersion may separate agglomerates or damage fragile particles. Agree the comparison method before ordering and retain the settings with every acceptance result.
A factory demonstration may use an easy reference sample while your powder settles, floats or feeds unevenly. Transport contamination, scratched cells and unavailable software access can also obstruct commissioning. Make acceptance depend on representative samples, working data export and the delivered accessories, rather than a catalogue measurement range.
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 laser particle size analysers from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for optical instruments under 9027 50 00 00 and identifiable parts under 9027 90 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the code for your shipment.
Should I buy wet or dry dispersion?
Choose against your samples and existing test method. Check liquid compatibility for wet dispersion and feeding, air supply and dust collection for dry dispersion. Demonstrate the proposed configuration with representative material.
Why does a new laser particle size analyser give different results?
Compare the measurement method, reporting basis, optical inputs and preparation settings. Bubbles, contamination, agglomeration and particle breakage can alter results. Repeat an agreed procedure using the same representative material.
What conformity documents should I request?
Request the relevant declarations and supporting evidence for the analyser, dispersion unit and power supply. Assess electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substance scope, and check the English instructions.