Sourcing telecentric lenses from China
Machine-vision telecentric lenses from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant mounted-optics lines. Classify the lens by its construction and intended use; conformity marking depends on applicable product rules. Cambridge China Bridge sources machine-vision telecentric lenses.
UK duty on mounted telecentric lenses
Heading 9002 covers mounted lenses and other optical elements used as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. This guide focuses on machine-vision telecentric lenses. The table includes objective-lens categories and separately imported filters or other mounted optical elements; these are alternatives according to the actual goods, rather than interchangeable codes for a lens.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the lens drawing, mounting arrangement and intended instrument. Unmounted optical elements fall under heading 9001. Consult the camera lenses and optical filters guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other camera objective lenses, including suitable telecentric lenses | 9002 11 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other objective lenses for optical instruments | 9002 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Mounted optical filters for vision systems | 9002 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other mounted optical elements for vision systems | 9002 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the measurement geometry
State whether you need object-space, image-space or bilateral telecentricity. Specify magnification, field of view, sensor size, image circle, working distance and the permitted object-height variation. Agree acceptable magnification change and distortion across that range, with the measurement method and illumination conditions written into the purchase specification.
Provide the camera mount drawing, available installation space, aperture, illumination wavelength and required detail resolution. Ask for sample images and measurement results using your camera and a calibrated target. Agree how distortion correction will be applied so the factory test and your acceptance test use the same method.
For Great Britain, conformity marking is necessary only where sector-specific regulations require it. Check the exact product configuration before accepting a supplier's CE or UKCA claim. UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles as well as substances and mixtures; request material information for glass, coatings, adhesives and the housing to support your compliance review.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of telecentric camera lenses under 9002 11 00 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Measurement stability: move a calibrated target through the agreed object-height range and compare measured dimensions across the field under the agreed illumination.
Image quality: check centre and edge sharpness, distortion and uneven focus on the specified camera at the agreed aperture and working distance.
Mechanical fit: check mount dimensions, seating, clearance and locking arrangements; repeat the measurement after removing and refitting the lens.
Cleanliness and packing: inspect for scratches, internal dust, fogging and loose parts; check protective caps, sealed packing and desiccant against the order.
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What goes wrong
A lens can produce a sharp image yet fail dimensional inspection because magnification changes with object height or distortion varies across the field. A sample tested on a smaller sensor can also conceal poor edge performance. Accept samples against the measurement task, using the camera and target arrangement intended for production.
Mounting errors, loose locking parts and unsuitable illumination can undermine repeatability. Internal dust, damaged coatings and moisture can reduce contrast. Keep the approved sample, test setup and acceptance results together, and use the same checks for incoming batches.
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 telecentric lenses from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty across the relevant heading 9002 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code covers a telecentric camera lens?
9002 11 00 90 covers other camera objective lenses. Confirm that description against the actual lens; other instrument objective lenses have a separate line.
Do telecentric lenses need CE or UKCA marking?
Conformity marking is required only where sector-specific regulations require it. Check the exact configuration and applicable rules before accepting a supplier's marking claim.
How do I test a telecentric lens before ordering?
Use your camera and a calibrated target. Check dimensional readings across the field and agreed object-height range, then check sharpness, distortion and repeatability after refitting.