Sourcing lateral flow test kits from China

Zero duty on lateral flow test kits

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3822 covers prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents, including kits and reagents on a backing. The selected lateral flow kit lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.

The selected lines have no attached import controls in the supplied facts. The separate line 3822 90 00 00 has veterinary control and an ozone-depleting-substance restriction on entry into free circulation. If that line is proposed, ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements. For animal-derived reagents, also confirm China eligibility and documents with the animal-health authority. Regulated ozone-depleting substances require an import licence.

Classification depends on the diagnostic target and the complete kit specification. Confirm the commodity code before ordering. For the wider reagent heading, see ELISA reagent kits.

Specify the target, sample and intended user

Specify the target antigen or antibody, sample type, professional use or self-testing, cassette or strip format, buffer presentation and supplied accessories. Agree the reading window, storage conditions and remaining shelf life at receipt. Request performance data covering the exact sample type and intended users, including sensitivity, specificity and cross-reactivity.

For diagnostic kits, confirm the applicable marking and registration requirements with the UK medicines regulator before placement on the Great Britain market. A Chinese manufacturer should also confirm whether a UK Responsible Person is required. Self-test devices following the UKCA route require a UK approved body for certification. For coronavirus kits, check the exact product's test-device approval status before ordering. Arrange testing and certification checks against the proposed model and intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 individually packed lateral flow test kits under 3822 19 00 90, invoiced at £5,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,300, so it is £1,060. 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

Identity and documents: match the manufacturer, model, intended use and conformity documents to the ordered kit. Check English instructions, batch numbers, expiry dates and storage conditions.

Pouches and components: inspect seals, moisture damage and desiccants. Check cassette condition, buffer leakage and the supplied swabs, tubes or droppers against the agreed component list.

Batch performance: obtain the lot release report and arrange checks with suitable control materials under the manufacturer's instructions. Record missing control lines, uneven flow and unclear results.

Transport and traceability: review temperature records against the specified storage range. Match carton and pouch batch details, and separate damaged or suspect stock during arrival inspection.

What goes wrong

Pouches can arrive punctured, buffer tubes can leak and accessories can be substituted. Heat or moisture exposure can affect the reagents. A cassette that looks intact still needs batch evidence and functional checks; appearance alone does not establish diagnostic performance.

A professional-use model can be offered as a self-test without matching documents or instructions. Performance reports may cover another sample type or model. Freeze the approved kit contents and artwork before production, then investigate discrepancies before releasing stock.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.