Sourcing mounted brake pads from China

UK duty on mounted automotive brake pads

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 12 December 2026, heading 8708 covers motor-vehicle parts and accessories. Mounted disc-brake linings are classified as parts of the apparatus they are designed for. This guide concerns friction material attached to a backing plate. See the wider brake linings and friction materials guide. The table repeats the relevant disc-brake code for different purchases; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.

Code 8708 30 91 90 carries 4% base duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Its 0.00 % suspension descriptions include non-asbestos organic pads with friction material mounted to a band-steel back plate for manufacturing goods of Chapter 87. The snapshot also lists authorised-use relief and exclusions for products comprising different components. Have your broker confirm the full conditions before claiming relief, using commodity code guidance.

The tariff attaches an ozone-depleting-substance restriction on entry into free circulation and a DCMS Export Licence measure. For goods from China, ask your customs broker to confirm the declaration requirement, including evidence that the goods neither contain nor rely on ozone-depleting substances, and whether the export measure is relevant.

Specify the backing plate, compound and vehicle application

Order by the original vehicle part cross-reference and exact application list. Fix the backing-plate outline and thickness, friction-material dimensions and compound, attachment method, slots, chamfers, shims, clips and wear indicators. Approve a drawing and reference sample for each variant, and agree tests for attachment strength and braking performance.

Confirm with the relevant vehicle-approval authority which approval, marking and packaging requirements apply to the replacement linings and intended vehicles, including any exceptions. Obtain approval documents for each part reference and check their vehicle coverage. Importing and supplying products with intentionally added asbestos is prohibited. Specify asbestos-free material and arrange independent sample testing as a purchasing check.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed batch of mounted replacement brake pads for a parts distributor under 8708 30 91 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,500. Duty at 4% is £1,260. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,760, so it is £6,552. Import taxes total £7,812; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,260 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fitment: compare the plate outline, locating features, pad thickness and wear-indicator connection with the approved drawing and application sample.

Material and attachment: inspect for cracks, chipped edges, separation, rust and contamination; review compound identity and agreed attachment-strength and performance test records.

Approval and identity: match approval documents and markings to the actual pad variant and vehicle applications; link the part, box and packing list to the production batch.

Packing and arrival: check shims, clips, wear indicators and set contents against the order. Repeat identity and condition checks on arrival before releasing stock. See quality inspection guidance.

What goes wrong

Similar-looking pads can have different locating ears, thicknesses or sensor connections. A substituted compound or poorly attached friction block can escape a visual comparison. Agree the exact construction and test evidence before production, then compare production samples with the approved sample.

Mixed boxes and broad application labels can disconnect a pad from its approval documents. Check every claimed application against the approval scope, rather than accepting a mark alone. Keep batch records linked to dispatch records and hold suspect stock while investigating.

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.