Sourcing motor graders from China

Motor grader classification and duty

Heading 8429 covers self-propelled earthmoving machinery. Motor graders fall within the graders and levellers line, 8429 20 00 00. The supplied tariff contains only this relevant line, so the table shows it without adding unrelated machines. See the bulldozer guide for wider heading coverage.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, the motor grader line carries 0% customs duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line. This tariff position does not replace machinery compliance checks.

Confirm the commodity code using the machine's function, propulsion and supplied configuration. Give your customs broker the specification and photographs rather than relying on the supplier's invoice description.

Specify the blade, steering and drivetrain

Specify engine make and model, transmission, driven wheels, operating mass, blade width, cutting-edge material and replacement pattern. Record blade lift, sideshift, tilt and circle rotation, plus articulation and wheel lean where fitted. State whether the order includes a scarifier, rear ripper or grading control system.

For the Great Britain market, the responsible person must ensure the relevant machinery conformity assessment is carried out and the conformity marking is affixed. Ask for the model's declaration, English instructions and supporting technical documents. For the combustion engine, request type-approval evidence and photographs of its approval markings.

Ask for the noise test report and guaranteed sound power label, as the site's earthmoving machinery guidance explains. Match the report to the supplied engine and machine configuration. Agree access to filters, cutting edges, circle-drive parts and hydraulic seals before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: One motor grader, illustrative order under 8429 20 00 00, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £5,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £65,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £65,000, so it is £13,000. 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 and documents: match machine and engine plates to the order, declaration and engine approval evidence. Check the English manual and parts catalogue at inspection.

Blade and circle: operate lift, tilt, sideshift and rotation through their intended travel. Check backlash, cutting-edge fit, welds and hose clearance, then make a grading pass on suitable ground.

Steering and drivetrain: test steering, articulation and wheel lean where fitted. Check transmission engagement, brakes, parking brake, tyre condition and tandem-drive housings.

Hydraulics and arrival condition: inspect cylinders, hoses and joints after operation. Record leaks, blade drift and transport damage, and compare the delivered attachments with the packing list.

What goes wrong

A grader can look complete while its blade drifts under load, the circle drive has excessive play or the articulation hoses rub at full movement. A demonstration with the blade raised does not test grading performance. Agree a witnessed working test and retain the results against the machine identity.

Another risk is receiving documents for a different engine or configuration, or finding that replacement cutting edges and seals cannot be identified. Compare the actual plates and components before shipment, and repeat the condition check on arrival. Resolve substitutions before accepting the machine.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.