Sourcing metal halide lamps from China

Metal halide lamp duty: 0%

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, metal halide lamps under 8539 32 90 90 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied line records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Heading 8539 covers several lamp families, but this guide concerns metal halide lamps.

The supplied data contains only one dedicated metal halide lamp line. Ceramic and quartz designs should not be presented as separate tariff lines without classification evidence. Confirm the construction and goods description using finding your commodity code. For wider heading context, see tungsten halogen lamps.

Specify the arc tube and compatible control gear

Specify ceramic or quartz arc-tube construction, cap geometry, envelope dimensions, rated power, operating position, colour temperature, colour rendering and light output. Name the intended ballast and ignitor, and record starting and hot-restart behaviour. Ask whether the lamp requires an enclosed fitting and agree the instructions supplied with each model.

Mains lighting needs electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and hazardous-substances compliance evidence. Light sources also have ecodesign, energy information and WEEE producer-registration obligations. The published mercury exemption for metal halide lamps has a stated expiry of 24 February 2027. Confirm the applicable exemption position before ordering and retain model-specific declarations and technical documentation.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5,000 metal halide lamps under 8539 32 90 90, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £63,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £63,000, so it is £12,600. 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

Identity: compare lamp markings, cap, arc-tube construction and carton model with the approved sample and purchase specification.

Condition: check glass envelopes, seals, cap attachment and internal supports for cracks, looseness or transit damage.

Operation: test samples with the agreed ballast and ignitor; compare starting, warm-up, hot restart, colour and stabilised light output with the approved sample.

Documents: match declarations, test reports, energy information and operating instructions to the actual model and batch. Arrange testing and certification before shipment where evidence is incomplete.

What goes wrong

A lamp can fit the holder yet be unsuitable for the installed ballast or ignitor. Buyers can encounter unreliable starting, cycling or colour differences when the factory changes the arc tube or filling. Freeze the approved construction and control-gear combination, and require written approval for changes.

Poor internal supports or inadequate cushioning can leave lamps damaged on arrival. Compare packaging with the approved packing sample and inspect before releasing stock. A mercury exemption addresses that specific substance use; it does not replace the remaining product-compliance checks.

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.