Sourcing magnetic powder clutches from China

Zero duty on magnetic powder clutches

Heading 8505 includes electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes. For magnetic powder clutches, start with 8505 20 00 90, the other electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes line. The mounting variants in the table share that code; they are not separate tariff lines. Separately supplied parts need their own classification.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the complete-clutch and other-parts lines shown carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%.

Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, operating description and details of what is supplied. A clutch, replacement part and assembled controller package should not automatically receive the same classification. See electromagnetic clutches for the wider product family.

Specify torque, slip and cooling together

State the required torque range, excitation voltage and current, input speed, relative slip speed, operating cycle and cooling arrangement. Ask for torque against current curves and permissible heat dissipation for the intended duty. Agree shaft or bore dimensions, keyways, flange geometry, rotation direction and mounting orientation. Describe the web material and tension-control arrangement where the clutch serves a winding machine.

Check electrical safety scope against the exact configuration. In Great Britain, the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 cover equipment designed or adapted for alternating current between 50 and 1,000 volts or direct current between 75 and 1,500 volts. Assess a separately supplied controller as well as the clutch. Where those Regulations apply, the importer must ensure that instructions accompany the equipment in easily understandable English.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 10 magnetic powder clutches under 8505 20 00 90, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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: measure shafts, bores, keyways and flange positions against the drawing; check bearing movement, connectors and mounting clearance.

Torque: record transmitted torque against excitation current, check repeatability after warming, and measure residual drag with excitation removed.

Heat: run samples at the agreed slip speed and load with the specified cooling; record temperature and torque drift through the operating cycle.

Arrival condition: inspect housings for impact damage, shafts for corrosion and seals for powder leakage; match model identification and test records to the goods.

What goes wrong

A clutch can meet a brief torque test yet overheat during sustained slip. Inadequate cooling or a misunderstood operating cycle can produce torque drift and unstable web tension. Powder leakage, uneven torque and excessive residual drag are defects to look for when comparing bulk samples with the approved unit.

An apparently matching replacement may have a different bore, keyway, excitation requirement or heat capacity. Agree acceptance checks on the actual operating duty before ordering, then repeat them on bulk samples. Use inspection to compare the shipment with the agreed drawing and test record.

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.