Sourcing mechanical defrost timers from China
Mechanical defrost timers with a clock movement or synchronous motor from China carry 4% UK duty. For mains models, check electrical safety evidence and the conformity documents before sale. Match the terminal layout and switching sequence to the appliance. Cambridge China Bridge sources mechanical defrost timers.
UK duty on mechanical defrost timers
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 8 November 2026, heading 9107 covers time switches with a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor. Mechanical defrost timers meeting that description fall within the supplied code 9107 00 00 90, carrying 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Only one relevant commodity line is supplied, so the table contains one entry.
The tariff also lists a DCMS Export Licence control, with a document waiver for goods manufactured less than 50 years ago. Official guidance states that importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain has no licensing requirement. This export entry should not be treated as a Chinese-import licence requirement; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to the shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the timing mechanism, wiring diagram and intended function. A digital controller without a clock movement or synchronous motor may need a different classification. See the wider timer switches guide and the calculation method in UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical defrost timers with clock movement or synchronous motor | 9107 00 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the defrost cycle and terminal layout
Specify the appliance model, supply voltage and frequency, mounting dimensions, terminal positions and wiring diagram. Agree the defrost interval and duration, whether timing runs continuously or only during compressor operation, and how refrigeration resumes. State separately the compressor and heater contact ratings. A matching case shape does not establish electrical compatibility.
For mains models sold as electrical equipment, check electrical safety evidence, the declaration of conformity, importer identification and CE or UKCA marking for Great Britain. Instructions must be clear, legible and in easily understandable English. Agree the compliance assessment for the intended supply form before approving labels.
Hazardous-substance rules cover electrical equipment, including cables and spare parts, unless specifically excluded. Ask for material evidence covering contacts, solder, insulation and housing. Check whether your supply creates electrical-equipment producer obligations; qualifying producers must register annually. Arrange testing and certification around the actual model and intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 1,000 mechanical defrost timers; values are illustrative under 9107 00 00 90, invoiced at £5,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,500. Duty at 4% is £260. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,760, so it is £1,352. Import taxes total £1,612; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £260 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and fit: compare arrival samples with the approved timer, checking mounting holes, shaft position, terminal numbering, connectors and the appliance wiring diagram.
Timing: run complete refrigeration and defrost cycles against a reference clock, checking the interval, defrost duration, manual advance and return to refrigeration.
Switching: have suitably equipped testers verify compressor and heater contact operation under the agreed loads, checking temperature rise, sticking contacts and unintended simultaneous energisation.
Documents and packing: match ratings, model identification, conformity documents and English instructions to the shipment; check terminals and housings for transport damage. Use the quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Check for lookalike replacements with different terminal assignments, the wrong motor frequency or a different timing arrangement. These mismatches can leave the compressor stopped, prevent defrosting or extend heater operation. A quick manual advance test does not establish that the timer completes its normal cycle.
Other faults to screen for include stalled motors, worn gears, loose terminals and contacts that stick under load. Test the approved sample in the intended appliance, then compare production and arrival samples with that configuration. Agree how any external defrost termination control interacts with the timer.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on mechanical defrost timers from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 4% for code 9107 00 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension.
Can I replace a defrost timer with one that looks identical?
Check the terminal assignments, supply frequency, contact ratings and timing arrangement against the appliance wiring diagram. Approve a working sample before ordering.
What should I test on mechanical defrost timers?
Check complete refrigeration and defrost cycles, timing accuracy, manual advance, return to refrigeration and contact performance under the agreed compressor and heater loads.
Do imported defrost timers need waste registration?
Check whether the supplied timer is electrical equipment in its own right and whether your business qualifies as a producer. Qualifying electrical-equipment producers must register annually.