Sourcing low-pressure sodium lamps from China
Low-pressure sodium lamps from China carry 0% UK duty under the supplied sodium vapour lamp line. Check mercury composition and the exact model's applicable safety, hazardous-substance and energy rules before ordering. Specify the existing ballast and lamp dimensions. Cambridge China Bridge sources low-pressure sodium lamps.
Duty on low-pressure sodium lamps and parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8539 covers electric lamps, light sources and lamp parts. Sodium vapour lamps under 8539 32 20 00 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The selected lamp-part lines also carry 0%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded. The finished-lamp rows share a code because the tariff does not distinguish these replacement applications.
The finished-lamp line attaches an import control of mercury, an export control on dangerous chemicals and an export control of mercury. The lamp-base line also attaches the mercury import control. Official guidance says mercury controls apply where mercury or a mercury compound has been intentionally added. Obtain a composition statement and ask your customs broker to confirm the import requirement for the actual goods from China. Ask the broker to confirm the relevance of the separately recorded export controls.
Confirm the commodity code using the lamp construction, intended use and details of separately supplied parts. For the related sodium vapour family within this heading, see high-pressure sodium lamps.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-pressure sodium lamps for street-light replacements | 8539 32 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Low-pressure sodium lamp bases supplied separately | 8539 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other low-pressure sodium lamp parts, classification to be confirmed | 8539 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the discharge tube and existing control gear
Identify the original lamp, luminaire and ballast model. Specify rated power, operating voltage and current, cap geometry, contact positions, overall length, envelope diameter and permitted burning orientation. Record the discharge-tube shape and supports against an approved sample. Agree light output, starting behaviour, warm-up behaviour and performance after restarting. Test samples in the intended fitting rather than accepting a general replacement claim.
Review electrical safety and hazardous-substance compliance for the actual model. For equipment within electrical safety rules, importers must ensure instructions are in easily understandable English. Under hazardous-substance rules, importers must check manufacturer details and conformity marking. Confirm ecodesign and energy-labelling scope before accepting an exemption claim. Regulated ecodesign products need a declaration supported by technical documentation; retailers of regulated energy-labelled products must display the label. Arrange a testing and certification review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small trial batch of low-pressure sodium replacement lamps under 8539 32 20 00, invoiced at £200 free on board, with £100 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £300, so it is £60. 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
Fit: compare cap geometry, contact positions, envelope dimensions and discharge-tube supports with the approved drawing and intended luminaire.
Glass and seals: inspect cracked envelopes, loose bases, damaged seals and displaced internal supports; check that individual packing prevents lamps touching.
Operation: have a competent tester check starting, warm-up, stable light output, power consumption and restarting with the specified ballast and operating orientation.
Identity and documents: match model and batch markings to the order, composition statement and supporting reports; check English handling and installation instructions and any applicable energy information.
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What goes wrong
A lamp can fit the holder while being unsuitable for the existing ballast. An unsupported replacement claim can lead to failure to start, unstable output or early failure. Approve the lamp in the intended fitting and require written agreement before changes to the discharge tube, cap, seals or internal supports.
Weak packing can leave the outer envelope broken or internal supports displaced. A sample that lights briefly does not establish stable performance after warming up. Compare production lamps with the approved sample under the agreed operating conditions, and resolve missing composition or model-specific compliance evidence before accepting stock.
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 low-pressure sodium lamps from China?
The supplied tariff line 8539 32 20 00 carries 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Can I use these lamps with my existing ballast?
Identify the original lamp and ballast model. Obtain a written compatibility statement and test samples in the intended fitting, including starting, warm-up and restarting.
Does the mercury control mean sodium lamps are banned?
The tariff attaches a mercury import control. Official guidance ties these controls to intentionally added mercury or mercury compounds. Obtain composition evidence and have your broker confirm the requirement.
What documents should I request before ordering?
Request the model specification, ballast compatibility statement, composition evidence and applicable declarations and technical reports. Confirm electrical safety, hazardous-substance and energy-rule scope for that model.