Sourcing multi-spindle lathes from China
Multi-spindle automatic lathes from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant tariff lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Machinery supplied in Great Britain must meet machinery safety requirements. Specify and test the complete production cycle. Cambridge China Bridge sources multi-spindle automatic lathes.
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2% duty on multi-spindle automatic lathes
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8458 covers lathes, including turning centres, for removing metal. Horizontal numerically controlled multi-spindle automatic lathes have the specific code 8458 11 49 00. The other rows are broader categories for alternative orientations and control types, rather than dedicated multi-spindle subheadings.
The supplied tariff record shows 2% duty for goods from China on every listed line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. It attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases. Obtain the refrigerant specification for any charged cooling equipment and ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable declaration requirement.
For refrigeration equipment pre-charged with HFCs, registration and quota authorisations are required when annual imports reach 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Assess any included cooling unit before shipping. Confirm the commodity code from the machine specification. For wider heading coverage, see our Swiss-type lathe guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal numerically controlled multi-spindle automatic lathes | 8458 11 49 00 | 2% | None |
| Other horizontal lathes, including non-NC multi-spindle automatic machines | 8458 19 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Other numerically controlled lathes, excluding turning centres | 8458 91 80 00 | 2% | None |
| Other non-numerically controlled lathes | 8458 99 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the spindle cycle and finished part
State whether the machine is cam-controlled or numerically controlled, its spindle arrangement, bar capacity, collet system, indexing mechanism and tooling at each station. Provide part drawings, material and acceptance tolerances. Agree how drilling, threading, cut-off and part collection fit into the cycle, including the bar feeder and chip conveyor.
Specify the control version, programme backups, tooling drawings, replacement collets, power supply and cooling arrangement. Machinery supplied in Great Britain must satisfy applicable essential health and safety requirements, undergo conformity assessment and have a declaration of conformity and the relevant marking. Request the English operating and maintenance instructions with the machine.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative multi-spindle automatic lathe for a small machine shop under 8458 11 49 00, invoiced at £150,000 free on board, with £9,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £159,000. Duty at 2% is £3,180. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £162,180, so it is £32,436. Import taxes total £35,616; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,180 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Spindles and indexing: check run-out at each spindle, collet grip, indexing repeatability and tool clearance against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Production cycle: cut the agreed material through the complete cycle, identify samples by spindle and station, and measure dimensions, surface finish and burrs after warming the machine.
Safety and documents: check guards, door interlocks and emergency stops, and match the declaration, English manual and control version to the delivered machine.
Arrival and installation: inspect transit locks, exposed surfaces and loose accessories, then level the machine and repeat indexing and cutting checks. Use the inspection guide to record acceptance evidence.
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What goes wrong
A satisfactory sample can hide variation between spindles or poor indexing after the machine warms up. Bar-feeder timing, collet grip and chip removal can interrupt the agreed cycle. Require a recorded production trial using your material and tooling, with samples traced to their spindle.
Transport movement and incorrect levelling can change alignment. Missing programme backups, cam drawings or replacement collet details can also make installation and maintenance difficult. Record the machine condition before crating and agree the checks to repeat after installation.
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 multi-spindle automatic lathes from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 2% on the relevant heading 8458 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded.
Which commodity code covers a CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe?
8458 11 49 00 covers horizontal numerically controlled multi-spindle automatic lathes. Other orientations or non-numerically controlled machines need a different classification.
What should a multi-spindle lathe acceptance test include?
Run your material through the complete production cycle. Trace samples to each spindle, measure them after warm-up, and check indexing, collet grip, bar feeding and chip removal.
What paperwork should accompany the lathe?
Check the declaration of conformity, relevant conformity marking and English instructions. Obtain the cooling-unit refrigerant specification so your broker can assess the tariff's fluorinated-gas control.