Sourcing microcontrollers from China
Microcontrollers within heading 8542 carry 0% UK duty from China across the relevant lines. Component parts sold business to business are outside the direct scope of RoHS, but the finished assembly must comply. Confirm the exact part and test it with your firmware. Cambridge China Bridge sources microcontrollers.
Microcontroller duty and classification
Heading 8542 covers electronic integrated circuits. Microcontrollers belong within the processor and controller family, including circuits combined with memory and other functions. The table includes the relevant controller branches and a separate parts line; that parts line describes parts rather than complete microcontrollers.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
Use the manufacturer's datasheet and the actual construction to confirm the commodity code. Do not use a loose-chip code automatically for an assembled development board or module. See the integrated circuits and chips guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other processor and controller integrated circuits | 8542 31 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Multi-component processor and controller integrated circuits | 8542 31 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Other processor and controller circuits within the specified chapter note | 8542 31 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of electronic integrated circuits, rather than complete microcontrollers | 8542 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the chip and programming state
Specify the manufacturer, complete ordering code, silicon revision, package, pin arrangement, memory capacity, supply voltage and temperature grade. Identify the peripherals your design uses and check the errata against your firmware. Agree whether parts arrive blank or programmed, which firmware image is used, and whether programming access remains available.
Prefer the manufacturer's franchised distributors. For broker stock, request original reel labels, lot and date codes, and documents traceable to the manufacturer. Require approval before any substitute part or revision is supplied.
For Great Britain, component parts sold business to business are outside the direct scope of the hazardous-substance restrictions, but the finished assembly must comply. Obtain substance-compliance information tied to the exact part. A manufacturer must establish component compliance before incorporating it into the assembly; supplier confirmation alone does not settle finished-product compliance.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 50,000 microcontroller chips on reels; FOB and freight values are illustrative, not a quotation. under 8542 31 90 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,600, so it is £8,120. 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 package markings, ordering codes, silicon identification and reel labels to the approved sample and purchase specification.
Programming: check that samples can be identified, erased and programmed as agreed; run your firmware and exercise the peripherals used in your design.
Handling: check sealed moisture-barrier bags, desiccant, humidity indicators and packing dates; inspect leads and solder surfaces and use antistatic handling.
Traceability: keep lots separate, retain samples and record electrical results against the datasheet, including the temperature grade ordered. Agree the scope through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A similar ordering code can conceal a different memory capacity, temperature grade, package or silicon revision. A chip may accept programming yet fail when your firmware uses a particular peripheral. Test the approved revision in your own circuit before accepting a substitute.
Broker stock can contain remarked or reclaimed chips, mixed lots or moisture-damaged parts. Visual checks alone do not establish authenticity or performance. Combine traceable records with electrical testing and, where warranted, radiographic examination or die inspection before releasing suspect stock.
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 microcontrollers from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty across the relevant heading 8542 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT is separate.
How do I avoid counterfeit microcontrollers?
Prefer franchised distribution. For broker stock, check original reel labels and traceable records, retain samples and test identity and electrical performance against the manufacturer's datasheet.
Can I accept a pin-compatible substitute?
Only after checking memory, peripherals, voltage, temperature grade, silicon errata and firmware behaviour in your circuit. Agree approval before the supplier changes the part.
Does component paperwork prove my finished product complies?
No. The manufacturer must determine finished-product compliance and establish component compliance before assembly. Obtain information for the exact chip rather than relying on a general supplier declaration.