Sourcing oil mist collectors from China
Machine-tool oil mist collectors from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant supplied lines. New complete machinery sold in Great Britain must have CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Specify extraction for the actual coolant and machine enclosure. Cambridge China Bridge sources machine-tool oil mist collectors.
UK duty on machine-tool oil mist collectors
Heading 8421 covers centrifuges and filtering or purifying machinery for liquids or gases. An oil mist collector filters droplets from machine-tool extraction air; do not confuse it with a filter for the liquid coolant. The table includes air filtration apparatus, a possible centrifuge classification and their respective parts. These are classification candidates, not interchangeable codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
Confirm the commodity code using the separation mechanism, drawings and whether the shipment contains complete apparatus or parts. For wider filtration equipment under this heading, see industrial dust collectors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air filtering apparatus, including filtering-type machine-tool oil mist collectors | 8421 39 25 90 | 0% | None |
| Other centrifuges, where the collector is classified as a centrifuge | 8421 19 70 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of centrifuges, for collectors classified as centrifuges | 8421 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other parts of filtering apparatus, subject to the part's classification | 8421 99 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify coolant, enclosure and extraction
Tell the factory whether machining uses neat oil or water-mix coolant, and describe the process, enclosure openings and proposed duct route. Specify airflow at the expected system resistance rather than accepting an unrestricted fan rating. Agree the separation stages, filter materials, drain arrangement, mounting position, electrical supply and access for maintenance.
New complete machinery placed on the Great Britain market must have CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English. Match the documents to the supplied model. Motorised industrial filtration equipment also needs its applicable electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements checked, as explained in our existing filtration guide.
HSE states that exposure to metalworking fluids must be prevented where reasonably practicable or adequately controlled. Treat the collector as part of the enclosure and extraction arrangement. Ask for a performance demonstration using the intended coolant, including drainage and operation as filters load, and agree replacement filter specifications before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot batch of machine-tool oil mist collectors, not a quotation under 8421 39 25 90, invoiced at £38,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,000, so it is £8,000. 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
Identity and documents: match the model plate, conformity marking, declaration and English manual to the delivered collector and motor.
Air path: check inlet connections, filter seating, seals and access covers. Compare airflow and pressure readings with the agreed test conditions.
Drainage and operation: check coolant drains without pooling or leaking, the fan rotates correctly, and vibration, noise and controls match the approved sample.
Arrival condition: inspect mounting brackets, housings and electrical connections for transport damage. Confirm spare filters fit and record defects before installation; see quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A collector selected from a free-air fan rating can underperform once ducts and loaded filters add resistance. Poor filter seals allow mist to bypass the media, while unsuitable drains let coolant accumulate or leak. Require evidence for the complete collector and the proposed installation, rather than relying only on a filter-media report.
Documents for a different motor or model make conformity checks difficult. A maintenance layout that blocks filter removal can also make routine servicing impractical. Resolve these points before shipment and agree how the factory will identify replacement filters and seals.
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 oil mist collectors from China?
The relevant supplied lines under heading 8421 carry 0% duty, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
What commodity code should an oil mist collector use?
8421 39 25 90 is a candidate for air filtering apparatus. A collector classified as a centrifuge and separately imported parts need different codes. Confirm from the actual design.
Do machine-tool oil mist collectors need CE or UKCA marking?
New complete machinery placed on the Great Britain market must carry CE or UKCA marking and come with a declaration of conformity and English instructions.
How do I check an oil mist collector before buying?
Specify the actual coolant and enclosure. Check extraction at the intended duct resistance, filter seals, drainage, vibration and maintenance access, then repeat the agreed checks on arrival.