Sourcing metal broaching machines from China
Metal broaching machines from China carry 0% UK import duty across the numerically controlled and other broaching lines, with no trade remedies listed. They must meet UK machinery supply rules, including safety requirements, conformity documents, marking and English instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal broaching machines.
UK duty on metal broaching machines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 October 2026, heading 8461 covers machine tools removing metal or cermets, including broaching machines. The broaching lines are 8461 30 10 00 for numerically controlled machines and 8461 30 90 00 for other machines. The related shaping and other-machine rows provide heading context; they are not alternative broaching codes.
Both broaching lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the actual cutting process and control specification. For the wider heading, see metal sawing and gear-cutting machines.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numerically controlled metal broaching machines | 8461 30 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other metal broaching machines | 8461 30 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Related machines: shaping or slotting machines | 8461 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other machines in the heading, outside the named broaching lines | 8461 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the broaching process and tooling
State whether the machine performs internal or surface broaching, and specify pull or push operation, horizontal or vertical layout, working stroke, cutting force and speed range. Supply the workpiece drawing, material and hardness, starting hole where applicable, finished profile, tolerances and surface finish.
Agree the broach holder, pull head, fixtures, tool return, coolant filtration and chip removal. Confirm which broaches and fixtures are included, the electrical supply, control system and spare seals. Require a cutting trial on your material, with a measurement report tied to the agreed drawing.
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 remain in force. Machines must meet the essential health and safety requirements, with a declaration of conformity, marking and English instructions. Agree who will provide installation support and review the documents before shipment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of 10 compact metal broaching machines, not a quotation under 8461 30 90 00, invoiced at £42,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £46,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £46,000, so it is £9,200. 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
Trial parts: check the finished profile, size, straightness and surface finish against the drawing, and watch for chatter, scoring and burrs. Retain identified trial parts and their measurement reports.
Motion and hydraulics: check the full working stroke, tool return, fixture alignment and clamping. Run the machine under cutting load and inspect for oil leaks, unstable movement and excessive heating.
Safety and documents: check guards around the tool travel and loading area, test interlocks and emergency stops, and match the machine identity to the declaration of conformity and English manual.
Arrival and installation: inspect for transit movement, corrosion and damaged hoses or wiring. Check the tooling and fixtures against the packing list, then repeat the agreed cutting trial after installation. See quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A machine may have enough nominal pulling force but insufficient stroke for the complete broach. Misaligned pull heads or fixtures can cause tapered profiles, scoring or tool damage. A trial on softer material can hide problems with the buyer's actual workpiece.
Resolve tooling interfaces and acceptance measurements before ordering. Check that guards still allow the agreed loading method and that coolant reaches the cutting zone. Record trial results before crating so arrival problems can be compared with the factory condition.
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 metal broaching machines from China?
Both broaching lines, 8461 30 10 00 and 8461 30 90 00, carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code covers a numerically controlled broaching machine?
The supplied tariff record lists 8461 30 10 00 for numerically controlled broaching machines and 8461 30 90 00 for other broaching machines. Confirm the actual control specification.
What documents should accompany a metal broaching machine?
Confirm the applicable machinery supply requirements for a declaration of conformity, marking, English instructions and essential health and safety compliance with the relevant authority. Check that the documents identify the supplied machine.
Should I buy the broach and fixture with the machine?
Agree the complete tooling package before ordering. Check holder compatibility, pull-head engagement, working stroke and fixture alignment through a cutting trial using your material and drawing.