Sourcing LCR meters from China

Zero duty on the relevant instrument lines

Heading 9030 covers instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities. LCR meters measure inductance, capacitance and resistance. The table gives candidate lines for complete instruments, resistance-focused instruments and separately imported parts; it does not assign every LCR meter to the same code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, the selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the commodity code using the functions, recording capability and supplied accessories of the actual model. For the wider heading, see oscilloscopes and multimeters.

Specify test conditions, not display digits

State the inductance, capacitance and resistance ranges, test frequencies, signal level and accuracy needed at each operating condition. Agree series or parallel equivalent-circuit modes, dissipation measurements, bias capability and the components the meter must test. Display resolution alone does not establish accuracy.

Specify Kelvin clips or the required component fixture, open and short compensation, cable length, data export and English menus. Ask for a calibration certificate matched to each serial number and, for professional use, traceability to national standards. Agree whether the quoted accuracy includes the supplied fixture.

Confirm with the relevant authority whether mains-powered instruments fall within the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, which safety requirements apply to battery instruments and whether electrical waste obligations apply. Under electromagnetic compatibility rules, the manufacturer must supply relevant instructions in English. Check the exact model's safety and electromagnetic compatibility reports before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of benchtop LCR meters for a component-testing business under 9030 89 00 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £27,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,200, so it is £5,440. 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

Measurements: check sampled meters against calibrated reference components across the agreed ranges and frequencies, using the specified signal level and equivalent-circuit mode.

Fixtures: perform open and short compensation, repeat readings after reconnecting the component, and check clips, contacts and cable movement for unstable results.

Documents: match model and serial numbers to calibration records, confirm English instructions and menus, and compare the supplied adapter and accessories with the approved sample.

Arrival condition: inspect connectors, displays, cases and packaging for damage, then test saving and exporting readings. Agree these checks through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A meter may meet its headline accuracy only at selected frequencies or component values. Comparing readings taken in different equivalent-circuit modes can look like a fault. Missing compensation, unsuitable fixtures and poor contacts can dominate measurements of small component values.

Calibration paperwork may cover a different model or omit the conditions you need. A recording feature may save only screenshots rather than usable readings. Approve a sample with your actual components, fixtures and export workflow before agreeing the production specification.

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.