Sourcing Metal Oxide Varistors from China
Metal oxide varistors from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 8533 lines. Business-to-business components are outside RoHS scope, but the finished assembly must comply where the rules apply. Specify voltage and surge performance by part number. Cambridge China Bridge sources metal oxide varistors.
UK duty on metal oxide varistors
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8533 covers electrical resistors, including rheostats and potentiometers, other than heating resistors. This guide concerns metal oxide varistors supplied as components. See the wider resistors and potentiometers guide for other resistor families.
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China on every line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. The table separates leaded and surface-mount buying formats under the same lower-power line. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code against the datasheet, power handling capacity and condition as supplied. Ask the factory to distinguish continuous power handling from pulse energy and surge current. Have your customs broker confirm the proposed line, especially for parts or assembled protection products.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaded metal oxide varistors, power handling capacity not exceeding 20 W | 8533 40 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Metal oxide varistors with higher power handling capacity | 8533 40 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of metal oxide varistors, subject to classification confirmation | 8533 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify voltage and surge behaviour
Specify the manufacturer's full part number, maximum continuous alternating and direct working voltages, varistor voltage and tolerance, and clamping voltage at the stated test current. Record surge current, pulse waveform, energy rating, repetition conditions and operating temperature range. A matching disc diameter or printed voltage does not establish equivalent performance.
For leaded parts, specify body dimensions, lead spacing, lead diameter, coating and packing format. For surface-mount parts, specify footprint, termination finish, capacitance and assembly conditions. Agree sample acceptance tests and require approval before changing the ceramic formulation, coating or production site.
Official guidance says business-to-business component parts are outside RoHS scope, but the final assembly must comply when in scope. Its manufacturer must establish component compliance before incorporation. Request material declarations and supporting evidence for the ceramic, coating and terminations against the exact part number.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative small-business stock order of leaded metal oxide varistors under 8533 40 10 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
Identity: match body markings, packaging labels, manufacturer, full part number and batch references to the purchase order and approved sample.
Electrical behaviour: measure sampled varistor voltage at the agreed test current and leakage at the agreed working voltage. Use a suitably equipped laboratory for agreed clamping and surge tests.
Construction: check dimensions, lead spacing or footprint, coating coverage, cracks, chipped edges, bent leads and termination condition.
Documents and packing: match material evidence and test records to the supplied part and batch. Check protective packing and keep samples traceable. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A substitute can match the visible marking yet have different clamping behaviour, leakage or pulse endurance. Confusing continuous working voltage with varistor voltage can also lead to the wrong selection. Compare the complete datasheet and test conditions before accepting an alternative.
Cracked coating, damaged leads and mixed batches can escape a visual check of the outer carton. Separate suspect stock, preserve batch labels and test samples against the agreed specification. Component evidence supports the finished-product assessment; it does not establish that the complete protection circuit performs as intended.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on metal oxide varistors from China?
The relevant heading 8533 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures are recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code should I use for metal oxide varistors?
Check 8533 40 10 00 for power handling capacity not exceeding 20 W and 8533 40 90 00 for higher capacity. Confirm the datasheet and classification with your customs broker.
Do business-to-business varistors need RoHS evidence?
Business-to-business components are outside RoHS scope, but an in-scope final assembly must comply. Request part-specific material evidence so its manufacturer can establish component compliance.
Can I accept a varistor with the same voltage marking?
Compare working voltage, varistor voltage, clamping conditions, leakage, pulse endurance and dimensions. Approve substitutions against the full specification and agreed sample tests.