Sourcing motor-run capacitors from China
Motor-run capacitors from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 8532 lines. Specify continuous operation, capacitance, rated alternating voltage and physical fit. Component purchases must support compliance of the finished electrical product. Cambridge China Bridge sources motor-run capacitors.
0% duty on the relevant capacitor lines
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8532 covers fixed, variable and adjustable electrical capacitors. Motor-run capacitors are fixed capacitors. Paper or plastic dielectric types are candidates for 8532 25 00 00; check the power-capacitor line where the circuit frequency and reactive capacity meet its description.
Every line in the supplied heading snapshot carries 0% duty for goods from China. It records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The table presents classification candidates and a parts line, rather than interchangeable motor-run products. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the dielectric, circuit frequency, reactive capacity and whether you are importing complete capacitors or parts before choosing the commodity code. See the wider capacitor guide for other capacitor families.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other fixed capacitors with paper or plastic dielectric | 8532 25 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Power capacitors for 50/60 Hz circuits, reactive capacity at least 0.5 kvar | 8532 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other fixed capacitors outside the named dielectric categories | 8532 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Capacitor parts, rather than complete motor-run capacitors | 8532 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify continuous operation and motor fit
State that the capacitor remains connected during motor operation. Specify capacitance and tolerance, rated alternating voltage, operating frequency, temperature range and rated life under the intended conditions. Agree the dielectric, case material, dimensions, mounting stud or bracket, terminals or cable arrangement, and any discharge resistor. Obtain a drawing and datasheet for the exact part.
For component parts sold between businesses, official guidance says the components themselves are outside the hazardous-substance restriction regulations. Components going into an electrical product sold in the UK must still support the finished product's compliance. Request restricted-substance declarations and material data for the exact part, including its terminals, casing and filling material.
Confirm the compliance scope for the intended supply route before approving labels. Where the supplied product falls within the electrical equipment safety regulations, the importer must ensure that it is accompanied by instructions in easily understandable English. Agree the documents with the supplier through testing and certification support.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 600 plastic-film motor-run capacitors; illustrative order, not a quotation under 8532 25 00 00, invoiced at £1,860 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,160. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,160, so it is £432. 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: measure sample capacitance and compare it with the agreed tolerance; check the stated voltage, frequency and temperature ratings against the approved datasheet.
Continuous operation: match endurance, insulation and dielectric test records to the exact construction; agree a sample operating test in the intended motor application.
Fit and condition: check case dimensions, mounting threads, terminal layout and cable length; look for dents, cracked seals, loose terminals and leakage.
Traceability and packing: match part and batch markings to the order and material documents; check that packing protects terminals and cases. Set the checks out in an inspection brief.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A start capacitor offered as a run capacitor can look suitable by capacitance alone while lacking the agreed continuous-operation rating. Other mismatches include a lower voltage or temperature rating, changed film construction, loose terminals and a mounting arrangement that does not fit. A matching printed value is insufficient evidence that the supplied part matches the approved design.
Require approval before changes to film, filling material, casing or terminals. Compare production samples with the agreed drawing and test records, and quarantine damaged or mismatched stock on arrival. Check the maker and batch identity rather than accepting a generic certificate covering a different capacitor.
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 motor-run capacitors from China?
The supplied UK Trade Tariff snapshot shows 0% on every heading 8532 line, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the exact code; import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code covers motor-run capacitors?
Paper or plastic dielectric types are candidates for 8532 25 00 00. Check 8532 10 00 00 where its frequency and reactive-capacity description applies. Classify from the actual construction and ratings.
Can I replace a motor-run capacitor with a start capacitor?
Do not approve a replacement on capacitance alone. Ask for evidence of continuous-operation suitability and compare voltage, temperature, life, terminals and mounting with the motor's specification.
What compliance documents should I request?
Request part-specific restricted-substance declarations, material data and test records. Components sold between businesses are outside RoHS scope themselves, but must support compliance of the finished electrical product.