Sourcing metal film resistors from China

UK duty on metal film resistors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8533 covers electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, but excludes heating resistors. Metal film resistors fall within other fixed resistors: 8533 21 00 00 for power handling not exceeding 20 W, and 8533 29 00 00 above that rating.

Both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The table separates product formats that can share a commodity code.

Confirm the technology, function and power handling from the manufacturer's datasheet before choosing the commodity code. Carbon film is a different tariff description. See the resistors and potentiometers guide for the wider heading.

Specify the film, drift and mounting

Specify metal film explicitly, alongside resistance value, tolerance, temperature coefficient, rated power and maximum working voltage. Record the conditions behind the power rating and the intended operating temperature. A matching resistance value does not establish that another film technology is interchangeable.

For axial parts, agree body dimensions, lead diameter, lead spacing and packing format. For surface-mount parts, agree package dimensions and termination finish. Buy against a complete manufacturer part number and approved sample.

GB guidance excludes component parts sold business-to-business from the hazardous-substance regulations. Confirm with the relevant authority how parts used in electrical products affect the finished product's compliance. Request part-specific hazardous-substance declarations and material data, rather than a factory-wide statement.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of assorted metal film resistors for an electronics business under 8533 21 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,300, so it is £1,860. 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

Resistance: measure samples from each lot against the ordered value and tolerance, using the agreed measurement conditions.

Drift: check temperature-coefficient and load-test records against the specified part number; compare resistance before and after the agreed test.

Mounting: compare body size, lead dimensions or surface-mount terminations with the drawing; inspect coating damage and bent leads.

Traceability: match manufacturer labels, lot codes, packing and material declarations to the order. Retain samples and records for each received lot.

What goes wrong

A supplier substitutes carbon film or another resistor technology while retaining the ordered nominal value. Initial resistance may look acceptable, but temperature drift or behaviour under load differs. Markings alone do not verify the construction.

Mixed lots, damaged coatings and incorrect lead dimensions can also disrupt assembly. Resolve differences against the approved sample and datasheet before releasing stock. Use the quality inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.

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.