Sourcing magnetic separator drums from China
Relevant magnetic components under heading 8505 carry 0% UK duty from China. Confirm the classification of the actual drum assembly, rather than assuming the complete separator shares its magnets’ code. Machinery safety requirements depend on what is supplied. Cambridge China Bridge sources magnetic separator drums.
Duty on magnetic drum components
Heading 8505 covers permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic holding devices, electromagnetic couplings, clutches, brakes, lifting heads and parts. The selected rows cover potential magnetic components and replacement parts for separator drums; they are not a classification ruling for a complete separator.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all supplied heading 8505 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspensions. The selected rows have no attached import controls. Other lines attach supplementary-unit measures; the importer should confirm their applicability with their customs broker.
Send the broker the assembly drawing, magnet material, operating description and a list of supplied parts. Confirm the commodity code for the goods as shipped. For the wider magnetic product family, see neodymium and ferrite magnets.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other metal permanent magnets for drum assemblies | 8505 11 90 99 | 0% | None |
| Agglomerated ferrite permanent magnets for drum assemblies | 8505 19 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Other electromagnets for separator assemblies | 8505 90 29 99 | 0% | None |
| Other parts of magnetic assemblies | 8505 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the drum and its separation task
Specify whether the purchase is a replacement drum, an internal magnetic assembly or a complete driven separator. Record drum diameter and working width, shaft ends, bearing seats, mounting position, rotation direction, shell material, wear protection and access for cleaning.
Define the feed material, particle size, moisture, expected feed depth and target ferrous contamination. Agree a separation trial using representative material, including how recovered metal and losses of usable material will be measured. Specify magnet material, working temperature and the positions at which magnetic performance will be checked.
For a supplied assembly that falls within machinery safety rules in Great Britain, conformity assessment, a declaration of conformity and the relevant conformity marking are required. Partly completed machinery instead needs assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation. Establish the supplied product’s status before agreeing its documentation.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of replacement magnetic drum assembly parts under 8505 90 90 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 the shell, shaft ends, bearing seats and mounting interfaces against the approved drawing; check shell runout and clearance around the magnetic assembly.
Separation: repeat the agreed material trial, record metal recovery and product losses, and compare magnetic measurements at the agreed positions.
Mechanical condition: inspect welds, shell damage, wear protection and seals; run the supplied drive to check rubbing, vibration and bearing noise.
Documents and packing: match drawings and identification to the supplied assembly, check the documentation appropriate to its machinery status, and inspect shaft supports and restraints after arrival. Arrange quality inspection around these checks.
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What goes wrong
A strong surface magnetic reading does not establish separation performance through a deep or uneven feed. Wet material can build up on the shell, while an unsuitable discharge arrangement can carry captured metal back into the product. Test with your material and the intended feed arrangement.
Incorrect shaft dimensions prevent installation; shell distortion causes rubbing; unsuitable seals admit abrasive dust. A quotation may also omit the drive, bearings or mounting frame. Attach a drawing and an explicit supply list to the order, and agree responsibility for installation interfaces.
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 magnetic separator drums from China?
The relevant heading 8505 component lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data, with no listed trade remedies. Confirm the code for the actual drum or complete separator.
Does a magnetic separator drum need conformity marking?
If supplied as machinery within scope, it needs the relevant conformity marking and declaration of conformity. Partly completed machinery needs assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation.
How do I check a drum’s separation performance?
Run an agreed trial with representative feed material. Measure recovered ferrous contamination and losses of usable material, using the intended feed depth and discharge arrangement.
What drawings should I send the factory?
Send the drum envelope, shaft ends, bearing seats, mounting interfaces and rotation direction, together with the feed arrangement and an explicit list of included parts.