Sourcing LPG generating sets from China

Duty on LPG generating sets

Heading 8502 covers electric generating sets and rotary converters. This guide covers LPG sets with spark-ignition internal combustion piston engines. The table separates them by electrical output; LPG fuel does not create a separate commodity line.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the listed spark-ignition lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%; see import duty and VAT.

Confirm the engine type and rated output with your customs broker using finding your commodity code. Describe separately supplied cylinders, regulators and spare parts individually. For the wider heading, see petrol inverter generators.

LPG output, regulator and cylinder connection

Specify whether the set runs only on LPG or also on petrol. Record continuous and starting output for each fuel separately, together with voltage, frequency, socket arrangement and intended loads. Ask the factory to demonstrate starting and sustained running on the gas supply specified for your order.

Name the gas composition, supply pressure, regulator, hose and cylinder connector. State whether these components are included. Approve connection drawings and the supplied instructions together; a cylinder connector photographed in the catalogue may differ from the production fitting.

Confirm applicable CE or UKCA marking, declaration of conformity and English instruction requirements for new machinery placed on the Great Britain market with the relevant product safety authority. For portable sets, ask for engine emission approval and match the engine plate to it. Confirm with the authority whether outdoor noise limits apply to the model. Equipment covered by the outdoor noise rules must display the relevant guaranteed sound power label and other appropriate marking. Ask for the model's noise report and guaranteed sound power label, plus machinery conformity documents and electrical safety evidence.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 75 portable LPG generating sets under 8502 20 20 90, invoiced at £90,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £95,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £95,000, so it is £19,000. 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

Gas assembly: check regulator identification, hose condition, connector dimensions and shut-off operation against the approved specification. Have a competent technician perform an agreed leak test before running the set.

Output on LPG: run the agreed load test using the specified gas supply. Record voltage, frequency, sustained output and response when a starting load is applied. Test each advertised fuel mode separately.

Electrical protection: check sockets, earthing connections, guards and protection devices against the approved drawings and test records. Inspect the frame, enclosure and engine mountings for transport damage.

Documents and arrival: match model and engine identification to the declaration, emission approval and English instructions. Compare the guaranteed sound power label with the noise report and count the gas accessories. Use an agreed quality inspection checklist.

What goes wrong

A dual-fuel listing may advertise petrol output without stating what the set can sustain on LPG. A mismatched regulator or cylinder connector can leave an otherwise functional generator unusable. Compare the approved sample with production units and reject undocumented substitutions in the gas assembly.

Gas fuel does not make a generator suitable for a poorly ventilated space. HSE guidance says gas equipment should not be used in poorly ventilated spaces and requires sufficient ventilation to remove combustion products. Check the intended operating location and exhaust arrangements before buying.

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.