Sourcing lathe chucks from China
Lathe chucks and the related lines shown here carry 0% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Suppliers must provide safe and compliant products with the correct documentation. Specify spindle fit, jaw accuracy and clamping conditions. Cambridge China Bridge sources lathe chucks.
Zero duty on lathe work holders
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, heading 8466 covers machine-tool parts and accessories, including work holders. The lathe work-holder line 8466 20 91 00 is the starting point for complete workholding chucks. The table also includes related fixtures, collets and possible spares; these are separate goods requiring their own classification.
All selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspensions. It lists no attached controls for the selected work-holder, fixture and collet lines. The parts line 8466 93 60 00 carries an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases. For spares declared there, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirement and declaration evidence.
Confirm the commodity code using the chuck's function, host machine and supplied assembly. Distinguish a chuck holding the workpiece from a holder gripping a cutting tool. See the wider machine-tool holders and accessories guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lathe chucks and other lathe work holders | 8466 20 91 00 | 0% | None |
| Application-specific workholding fixtures used with lathe chucks | 8466 20 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Separately supplied collets and sleeves, subject to classification | 8466 10 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Separately supplied lathe chuck parts, subject to classification | 8466 93 60 00 | 0% | None |
Specify spindle fit, jaws and clamping
State whether the chuck is self-centring, independently adjusted, collet-operated or powered. Specify body diameter, through bore, spindle nose interface, mounting register, bolt pattern and any backplate. Provide the machine's interface drawing rather than relying on a catalogue description. Agree jaw travel, gripping range, jaw material and the supply of replacement jaws.
Agree runout and repeatability acceptance criteria, including the test bar, gripping position and measurement distance from the jaws. For powered chucks, specify actuator compatibility, drawtube connection, operating pressure, clamping force and permitted speed under the intended jaw configuration. Power chucks can affect machine conformity, so ask the machine builder or safety adviser to confirm compatibility.
Ask for model-specific installation, operation and maintenance instructions, including mounting, lubrication and permitted operating conditions. Have the supplier identify which compliance documents apply to the actual assembly being supplied.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of compact manual lathe chucks; FOB value and freight are illustrative under 8466 20 91 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,900, so it is £4,980. 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
Mounting: compare the register, mounting face, bore, threads and bolt pattern with the approved drawing; trial-fit the chuck and backplate on the intended interface.
Accuracy: measure runout with a test bar and dial indicator under the agreed conditions; release and reclamp the bar to assess repeatability against the supplier's report.
Clamping: check jaw movement, engagement and gripping range; test powered clamping force and leakage using the agreed actuator, pressure and test procedure.
Condition and records: inspect jaws, scroll, mounting surfaces and threads for burrs, rust and damage; match instructions, accuracy reports, keys and replacement jaws to the delivered model.
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What goes wrong
A chuck can have the expected body diameter yet fail to seat on the spindle register. A mismatched backplate or drawtube connection can prevent installation. Approve interface drawings and trial-fit a sample before accepting the batch. Jaw sets that look alike may have different mounting details, so confirm replacement-jaw compatibility.
Poorly ground jaws, scroll wear or inconsistent jaw engagement can cause runout and unreliable gripping. An unloaded accuracy report may not represent the intended workpiece or jaw position. Agree the test conditions and compare arrival results with the factory report. Use these checks when arranging quality inspection.
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 lathe chucks from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty under 8466 20 91 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Which commodity code covers a lathe chuck?
Start with 8466 20 91 00 for a chuck holding a lathe workpiece. Confirm the supplied assembly with your customs broker; separate fixtures, collets and spares need their own classification.
How should I check lathe chuck accuracy?
Use a test bar and dial indicator under agreed gripping and measurement conditions. Check runout and repeatability after releasing and reclamping, then compare the results with the supplier's report.
Will a power chuck fit my existing lathe?
Check spindle mounting, backplate, actuator, drawtube connection and operating conditions. Ask the machine builder or safety adviser to confirm compatibility, including effects on guarding and workholding.