Sourcing mammography X-ray film from China
Unexposed mammography X-ray sheet film from China carries 0% UK import duty under 3701 10 00 00. Medical-device registration is required before placement on the Great Britain market. Match the film to the clinic's imaging and processing system and test production batches. Cambridge China Bridge sources mammography X-ray film.
Mammography film: 0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 3701 covers flat, sensitised, unexposed photographic plates and film, excluding paper, paperboard and textiles. Mammography X-ray sheet film falls within the X-ray line, 3701 10 00 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China.
The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for this line. Mammography film has only this relevant commodity line in the supplied record. See the wider photographic and X-ray film guide for other products within the heading.
Confirm the supplied film's format and intended use before selecting the commodity code. Medical X-ray film is usually marketed as a medical device. Check its CE or UKCA marking and registration separately from its customs classification.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unexposed mammography X-ray sheet film | 3701 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
Match film to the mammography system
Specify the film model, sheet dimensions, pack contents and intended mammography use. Ask the factory to identify the compatible screen, cassette, processor and processing chemistry. Have the receiving clinic approve samples using its own system before agreeing the production specification.
Agree the minimum remaining shelf life at dispatch, light-tight packaging and storage and transport conditions. Request batch sensitometry, and compare density, contrast and fog with the approved sample. Keep the approved film model and processing conditions in the purchase specification.
Before placing the device on the Great Britain market, confirm registration with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. A manufacturer outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person to register and act on its behalf. Ask for the manufacturer's marking and conformity documents for the exact film model.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 40,000 sheets of mammography X-ray film under 3701 10 00 00, invoiced at £150,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £153,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £153,000, so it is £30,600. 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
Compatibility: check the delivered film model, dimensions and pack contents against the clinic-approved specification.
Batch performance: expose and develop samples from production batches in the approved system; compare density, contrast and fog with the retained sample.
Dates and traceability: check expiry dates against the agreed remaining shelf life and match carton and pack batch numbers to test reports.
Packaging and documents: check light-tight seals, dry cartons and damage; match the CE or UKCA marking and supplied English instructions to the ordered model.
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What goes wrong
A film can fit the cassette yet perform differently from the batch used to calibrate the clinic's system. Changes in film speed or processing conditions can alter the resulting image. Approve samples in the receiving system and investigate any production-batch difference before clinical use.
Heat, humidity, age and light leaks can fog unexposed film. Stock arriving close to expiry also leaves less usable time. Agree storage and transit conditions, review batch tests before dispatch and check packaging on arrival. Use the quality inspection guide to define the acceptance checks.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on mammography film from China?
Unexposed mammography X-ray sheet film under 3701 10 00 00 carries 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measures.
Does mammography film need medical-device registration?
Medical devices must be registered before placement on the Great Britain market. Check the exact film model's registration and CE or UKCA marking before ordering.
Will Chinese mammography film work with my processor?
Ask for the compatible screen, cassette, processor and chemistry. Have the clinic expose and develop samples using its own system before approving the film.
How do I check mammography film on arrival?
Check the film model, batch numbers, expiry dates and light-tight packaging. Compare sample exposures from delivered batches with the approved sample using the agreed processing conditions.