Sourcing machine-tool rotary tables from China

Zero duty, with classification by function

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, the selected lines within heading 8466 carry 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. Heading 8466 covers machine-tool parts and accessories; dividing heads and other special attachments are listed under 8466 30 00 00.

The tariff attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases to 8466 93 60 00 and to the specialised parts line 8466 93 40 00. If a separately imported spare uses either line, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker. The supplied data lists no attached controls for the rotary attachment and work-holder lines shown here.

Use the function, host machine and supplied assembly to confirm the commodity code. The table includes fixtures and possible spares, rather than interchangeable classifications for a complete rotary table. See the wider machine-tool holders and accessories guide.

Specify the mounting and indexing system

State whether the table is manual or powered, horizontal or tilting, and supplied with a controller or for integration into an existing machine. Agree table diameter, overall height, mounting pattern, slot dimensions, centre bore, workpiece load and cutting-load conditions. Provide the host machine's interface drawing.

Agree acceptance criteria for face runout, centre-bore runout, indexing accuracy, repeatability, backlash and clamping performance. For powered tables, specify motor, encoder, connectors, control compatibility and cable routing. Ask your machine builder or safety adviser to confirm compatibility where the attachment changes guarding or workholding.

For machinery within the Great Britain supply rules, the responsible person must ensure it is safe before placing it on the market or putting it into service. Ask the supplier to identify the supplied assembly and the compliance documentation appropriate to it.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of powered machine-tool rotary tables under 8466 30 00 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 base, slots, centre bore and overall height with the approved drawing; trial-fit the locating and clamping components.

Accuracy: measure face and bore runout with a dial indicator; verify indexing and repeatability against the agreed acceptance criteria and supplier report.

Drive and clamp: check reversal backlash, smooth movement and clamp holding under the agreed test conditions; test powered operation with the intended controls.

Condition: inspect machined surfaces, threads and slots for burrs, rust and impact damage; check lubrication instructions, accessories and protective packing.

What goes wrong

A table can fit the machine bed yet leave insufficient tool clearance or travel. Slot spacing, centre height or connector differences can prevent installation. A controller supplied with the table may not communicate with the buyer's machine. Resolve these points from drawings and an integration trial before accepting the batch.

Backlash can produce different positions when approaching from opposite directions. Weak clamping can let the workpiece move during cutting, while face runout affects the mounted fixture. Agree how accuracy is measured and under what load; compare arrival measurements with the supplier's report.

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.