Sourcing mounted achromatic doublets from China
Mounted achromatic doublet lenses from China carry 0% UK duty throughout the supplied heading 9002 lines. Include the correct commodity code on the import declaration, choosing it from the lens's function and construction. Cambridge China Bridge sources mounted achromatic doublet lenses.
Zero duty, with classification by function
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9002 covers mounted lenses and other optical elements used as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. Mounted achromatic doublets fall within this family; unmounted lenses belong to heading 9001.
All supplied lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control recorded. The table presents possible classifications, rather than interchangeable codes. The size-specific camera or projector line applies only to lens units matching its description, including focal length from 25 mm to 150 mm and diameter from 60 mm to 190 mm.
Include the commodity code on the import declaration. Give your broker the optical drawing, mount details and intended function, then confirm the commodity code. See the mounted cylindrical lenses guide for another product family within the wider heading. Zero duty still leaves import VAT to consider; see UK import duty and VAT.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other mounted objective lenses for cameras or projectors | 9002 11 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other mounted objective lenses | 9002 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other mounted optical elements | 9002 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Camera or projector lens units meeting the specified focal-length and diameter limits | 9002 11 00 50 | 0% | None |
Specify the doublet and its mounting cell
Specify the glass pair, effective focal length, design wavelengths, clear aperture and permitted focal shift across the working wavelength band. Confirm whether the elements are cemented or air-spaced; do not accept a supplier's generic achromatic label as the specification. Agree surface quality, centration and coating transmission against the drawing.
Define the cell material, thread, shoulder position, outside diameter and optical orientation. State the reference surface for back focal length and the direction of incoming light. Agree retention, adhesive compatibility and packing that protects exposed surfaces. Approve a sample in the actual optical assembly before releasing production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of mounted achromatic doublet lenses for laboratory assemblies under 9002 90 00 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,500, so it is £2,300. 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
Optical performance: measure focal length and focal shift at the agreed wavelengths, and check centration in the mounted condition against the drawing.
Glass and bond: inspect for chips, scratches, bubbles, haze and separation at the cemented interface; match the glass identification and batch report to the approved specification.
Coatings: compare transmission and reflections with the agreed coating data, and inspect exposed surfaces for uneven coating, stains and handling damage.
Mount and packing: check thread fit, shoulder location, orientation and retention in the buyer's assembly; inspect protective caps, sealed packing and batch labels on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A substituted glass pair can change chromatic correction even when the nominal focal length matches. A decentred cell can spoil performance after otherwise acceptable loose optics are mounted. Reversed orientation, a misplaced shoulder or excessive retaining pressure can shift focus or distort the lens.
Cement haze, coating damage and trapped debris may appear only after transit or assembly. Keep the approved sample and agreed measurement method available for comparison. Investigate failures in the assembled cell before accepting a replacement batch; quality inspection should cover optical performance as well as appearance.
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 mounted achromatic doublet lenses from China?
The supplied heading 9002 lines carry 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Which commodity code applies to a mounted achromatic doublet?
Choose by function and construction. Camera or projector objectives, other objectives and other mounted optical elements have different lines. Give your broker the drawing and intended use.
Do mounted achromatic doublet lenses need CE or UKCA marking?
Conformity marking is necessary only where sector-specific regulations require it. Check the intended use and applicable product rules before agreeing any marking; the tariff code alone does not settle this.
How should I check a mounted achromatic doublet on arrival?
Check focal length and chromatic correction at the agreed wavelengths, centration, bond clarity, coating condition, thread fit and orientation. Compare the assembled lens with the approved sample and drawing.