Sourcing mounted cylindrical lenses from China
Mounted cylindrical lenses from China carry 0% UK duty across the supplied heading 9002 lines. Classification depends on the mounted element's function and intended apparatus; unmounted lenses belong to a different heading. Specify the powered axis and test the lens in its mount. Cambridge China Bridge sources mounted cylindrical lenses.
Zero duty, with classification by function
Heading 9002 covers mounted lenses and other optical elements used as parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus. A cylindrical optical surface is different from a cylinder-shaped housing. The table shows possible lens classifications and a companion filter line; these are not interchangeable codes for the same product.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, every supplied line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Unmounted optical lenses fall under heading 9001.
Give your customs broker the optical drawing, mount drawing and intended apparatus, then confirm the commodity code. For related mounted optics within the wider heading, see the mounted Fresnel lenses guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other mounted optical elements, including cylindrical lenses where applicable | 9002 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other objective lenses, where the cylindrical assembly is an objective | 9002 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other camera or projector objective lenses, where applicable | 9002 11 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Mounted optical filters ordered as companion components | 9002 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the powered axis and mounted performance
Specify whether the lens is positive or negative, its material, focal length at the working wavelength, clear aperture, surface form and coating transmission. Define the powered axis relative to a visible mount datum, the curved surface orientation, working distance and the required line profile or beam shape. Agree the measurement method and acceptance tolerances before approving a sample.
Define the mount material, external dimensions, thread or locating features, retention method and permitted adhesive coverage. Ask the factory to test the mounted assembly, since clamping or bonding can change performance. Keep an approved assembly and its test record for comparison with production.
For workplace articles where more specific product safety law does not apply, suppliers have a general safety obligation so far as reasonably practicable, including necessary testing and information on safe use. For these lenses, agree handling, installation and cleaning information suited to the intended optical system.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of mounted cylindrical lenses for laboratory assemblies under 9002 90 00 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Axis and focus: check axis orientation against the mount datum, focal position at the agreed wavelength and the line profile or beam shape in the buyer's fixture.
Mount and retention: check locating dimensions, seating and clear aperture; look for loose elements, chipped edges, excess adhesive and movement after installation.
Surfaces and coating: inspect for scratches, digs, dust and coating defects, and compare measured transmission with the agreed coating specification.
Arrival condition: check individual protection, sealed packing and desiccant where specified; inspect for moisture, haze and mount damage before accepting stock. Agree these checks through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A correctly made lens can produce the wrong line when its powered axis is rotated in the mount. A factory may test the bare element and miss stress or tilt introduced during assembly. Excess adhesive can reduce the clear aperture, while a coating selected for a different wavelength can reduce useful transmission.
A cylindrical housing does not establish that the optical surface is cylindrical. Put the surface form and axis datum on the drawing, test an assembled sample in the intended fixture and compare production against that record. Quarantine arrivals with loose elements, haze or damaged mounts until the cause is understood.
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 cylindrical lenses from China?
The supplied heading 9002 lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the line from the mounted assembly's function.
Which commodity code applies to a mounted cylindrical lens?
The code depends on whether it is an objective lens for specified apparatus or another mounted optical element. Give your broker the drawings and intended use rather than choosing by the housing shape.
Can the factory test the lens before mounting it?
Bare-element testing helps, but also test the finished assembly. Mounting can introduce stress, tilt or axis rotation that changes the line profile or beam shape.
What should I check when mounted cylindrical lenses arrive?
Check mount fit, axis orientation, retention, surface condition and performance in your fixture. Compare the results with the approved assembly and agreed acceptance tolerances.