Sourcing motor yachts from China
Motor yachts in the selected heading 8903 lines carry 0% UK duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed. Recreational yachts of 2.5 m to 24 m hull length need conformity assessment and UKCA or CE marking for sale in Great Britain. Check installed cooling systems before shipment. Cambridge China Bridge sources motor yachts.
Motor yacht duty and attached controls
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8903 covers yachts and other pleasure or sports vessels. The selected non-inflatable motorboat lines exclude outboard motorboats and distinguish length and seagoing status. All carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed.
The tariff attaches an ozone-depleting-substance restriction and fluorinated-gas import control. Ozone-depleting substances must not be used in new equipment except recycled halons for critical uses. Where quota cover is required, pre-charged equipment cannot be imported without sufficient authorisations or delegations. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements and declaration documents for installed refrigeration, air-conditioning and fire systems.
The tariff also lists a cultural-property export licence entry. Official guidance states that importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain has no licensing requirement under that regime; have your broker confirm how the tariff entry applies. Confirm length, propulsion and seagoing classification through finding your commodity code. For other vessels within the wider heading, see sailing dinghies from China.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-inflatable motor yachts, excluding outboard boats, up to 7.5 m | 8903 31 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Seagoing motor yachts, excluding outboard boats, over 7.5 m to 24 m | 8903 32 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other motor yachts, excluding outboard boats, over 7.5 m to 24 m | 8903 32 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Seagoing motor yachts, excluding outboard boats, over 24 m | 8903 33 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other motor yachts, excluding outboard boats, over 24 m | 8903 33 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the hull, propulsion and fitted systems
Set out intended waters and use, hull material and laminate schedule, hull dimensions, displacement, engine model, drive arrangement, fuel capacity and cabin layout. List steering equipment, electrical systems, bilge pumps, refrigeration and air-conditioning by make and model. Agree sea-trial loading, acceptance criteria, lifting points, transport cradle and the handover inventory before approving the build.
For recreational yachts of 2.5 m to 24 m hull length sold in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority how the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 apply, including essential requirements, UKCA or CE marking, craft identification, a builder's plate showing design category, maximum load and persons, and an owner's manual. Importers must ensure instructions are in English. Obtain model-specific conformity documents through testing and certification. For larger yachts, arrange a separate review of applicable requirements before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one compact inboard motor yacht for dealer stock under 8903 31 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £33,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £33,000, so it is £6,600. 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
Hull: inspect laminate finish, cracks, deck joints, hatches and through-hull fittings; compare dimensions and equipment against the agreed specification.
Propulsion: check engine identity, mounts, fuel connections, steering and drive installation; record leaks, vibration and operating readings during the agreed sea trial.
Systems: operate bilge pumps, electrical circuits and fitted cooling equipment; compare refrigerant labels and fire-system contents with the supplier's records.
Arrival: inspect cradle contact points and lifting damage before launching; check the craft identification, builder's plate, manual and supplied equipment against the handover inventory.
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What goes wrong
A finished cabin can conceal poor access to fuel connections, unsupported wiring or leaking deck fittings. Engine or drive substitutions can change the agreed performance and documentation. Tie acceptance to the actual hull and installed equipment, with a sea-trial record and a written defect list.
Transport can damage hull surfaces where the cradle bears unevenly or lifting arrangements are unsuitable. Record condition before loading and on arrival. A marking plate alone does not show which model the supporting documents cover; match the yacht's identity and specification to the supplied evidence before accepting delivery.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on motor yachts from China?
The selected non-inflatable motorboat lines in heading 8903 carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed in the supplied tariff read.
Does a motor yacht need CE or UKCA marking?
For recreational yachts of 2.5 m to 24 m hull length sold in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable UKCA or CE marking, conformity evidence and craft information requirements under the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017.
Can I use these commodity codes for an outboard motor yacht?
The motorboat lines shown here expressly exclude outboard motorboats. Give your customs broker the hull details and propulsion arrangement to confirm the appropriate commodity code.
What should I inspect when a motor yacht arrives?
Check hull and cradle damage, deck fittings, engine identity, fuel connections, steering, bilge pumps and electrical systems. Match craft identification and documents to the yacht, then complete the agreed commissioning checks.