Sourcing mica capacitors from China

UK duty on mica capacitors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8532 covers fixed, variable and adjustable electrical capacitors and their parts. Fixed mica capacitors normally fit the other fixed capacitors line, 8532 29 00 00. The table shows different mica constructions under this same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China throughout the heading. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. This tariff record does not establish finished-product compliance.

Confirm the dielectric, whether capacitance is fixed or adjustable, and whether the shipment contains complete capacitors or parts before choosing the commodity code. For other dielectric families, see the wider capacitor guide.

Specify the mica construction and test conditions

Specify mica as the dielectric and identify whether silvered-mica construction is required. Agree the full manufacturer part number, capacitance, tolerance, rated voltage, temperature range and temperature coefficient. Include body dimensions, lead spacing, lead diameter, termination finish and packing. For radio-frequency circuits, specify operating frequency, allowable losses and current handling against the intended circuit.

Agree the measurement frequency, test voltage and temperature for capacitance and loss checks. Ask for restricted-substance declarations and material information matching each part number, including terminations and encapsulation. Components going into electrical products must support finished-product compliance. A supplier's compliance confirmation does not replace the manufacturer's responsibility to determine whether the finished product complies.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 10,000 mica capacitors for a production batch, illustrative only under 8532 29 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

Electrical values: sample each lot for capacitance, tolerance, dissipation factor and insulation resistance using the agreed test conditions. Compare results with the approved datasheet.

Construction: check body dimensions, lead spacing and termination finish. Examine encapsulation for cracks, exposed material and damage around lead exits.

Identity: match manufacturer labels, part numbers and lot codes to the order and supplier records. Confirm that the supplied dielectric and construction match the approved part.

Documents and packing: match material declarations and certificates of conformance to the delivered parts. Check that packing protects leads from bending and bodies from impact. Use the inspection guide to brief the checks.

What goes wrong

A ceramic capacitor offered as an equivalent may match nominal capacitance while differing in temperature behaviour and losses. An unspecified measurement frequency can also make supplier and buyer results difficult to compare. Reject substitutions unless the circuit designer has approved the replacement and its evidence.

Incorrect lead spacing prevents assembly, damaged encapsulation warrants investigation, and mixed lots make traceability harder. Approve a sample against the drawing and electrical test conditions, then require written approval for changes to construction, materials or manufacturer.

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.