Sourcing marine shaft brackets from China
Marine propeller shaft brackets from China carry 0% UK duty across the listed material lines when heading 8487 applies. This residual heading covers machinery parts not specified elsewhere, so confirm the finished bracket's classification. Check alloy, bearing bore and mounting geometry. Cambridge China Bridge sources marine propeller shaft brackets.
Zero duty, subject to classification
Heading 8487 covers machinery parts without electrical features that are not specified or included elsewhere in the machinery chapter. For marine propeller shaft brackets, the relevant candidate lines distinguish cast steel, forged iron or steel, other iron or steel, and other materials such as bronze. These are material-based lines, not dedicated bracket codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions, steel measures or attached import controls. This tariff position does not establish suitability for a particular vessel.
Confirm the commodity code using the material, manufacturing method, drawing and whether the bracket includes a bearing. Heading 8487 is residual; bearings and parts identifiable with a particular machine may belong elsewhere. Include the confirmed code on the import declaration. For the wider heading and related shaft-support components, see ship stern tubes.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast steel marine propeller shaft brackets | 8487 90 51 90 | 0% | None |
| Forged iron or steel marine propeller shaft brackets | 8487 90 57 90 | 0% | None |
| Other iron or steel marine propeller shaft brackets | 8487 90 59 90 | 0% | None |
| Bronze or other non-ferrous marine propeller shaft brackets | 8487 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Bearing bore, strut angle and hull attachment
Provide the vessel designer's drawing with the shaft centreline, bearing housing bore, bore length, strut angle, mounting footprint and fixing-hole positions. State whether you want a bare bracket or a bracket with a fitted bearing. Specify bearing retention, lubrication openings and the datum surfaces used to measure alignment.
Name the alloy grade, heat treatment where applicable, surface finish and permitted casting defects. Agree material certificates linked to the casting heat and a first article dimensional report. Ask the designer to confirm the bracket geometry, attachment arrangement and material compatibility with the shaft, fasteners and hull.
Before sale in Great Britain, identify the applicable product rules and make sure the brackets meet them. Agree installation and maintenance information for the intended vessel rather than treating a dimensional report as a complete compliance assessment. Arrange testing and certification around the intended application.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 40 bronze marine propeller shaft brackets (illustrative order) under 8487 90 90 90, invoiced at £28,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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
Material: match the heat identification to the material certificate and agreed alloy. Check the bracket and its paperwork together; a certificate for unrelated stock does not demonstrate the supplied material.
Geometry: measure the bearing housing bore, shaft centreline position, strut angle, mounting faces and fixing holes against the approved drawing. Check alignment from the specified datums rather than measuring isolated dimensions.
Soundness: inspect cast surfaces, strut roots and transitions into the mounting base. Review the agreed penetrant or other defect-testing reports and reject unapproved weld repairs or concealed filling.
Arrival condition: check for bent struts, damaged bearing seats, corrosion and packing damage. For fitted bearings, check retention and lubrication openings. Keep the bracket identified to its inspection records until installation.
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What goes wrong
A bracket can match the outline of a sample yet place the bearing centreline incorrectly. Poor bore geometry or a distorted mounting face can obstruct alignment and contribute to uneven bearing wear or vibration. Casting porosity and shrinkage can become visible during machining, while an alloy substitution may remain hidden beneath a coating.
Approve a first article against the complete drawing before production. Agree defect acceptance and repair permissions in writing, then compare production inspection records with the approved part. If mounting or alignment differs on arrival, obtain the vessel designer's assessment before modifying the bracket or installing it.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on marine shaft brackets from China?
The listed heading 8487 material lines carry 0% duty from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the finished bracket belongs in this residual heading.
Which commodity code covers bronze shaft brackets?
8487 90 90 90 is the candidate line for bronze brackets when heading 8487 applies. Confirm classification from the drawing, material and supplied assembly, especially if a bearing is fitted.
What should I specify when ordering a propeller shaft bracket?
Specify alloy, shaft centreline, bearing housing bore, strut angle, mounting footprint, fixing holes and inspection datums. State whether a bearing is included and how it is retained and lubricated.
How do I check a shaft bracket when it arrives?
Match its identity to the material and inspection records. Check bore geometry, mounting faces, strut angle, casting defects and transit damage before the vessel designer or installer accepts it.