Sourcing multidirectional forklifts from China

Multidirectional forklift codes and duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 8427 covers forklift trucks and other works trucks fitted with lifting or handling equipment. Multidirectional steering does not create a separate tariff line. Classification depends on propulsion, lifting height and rough-terrain design. The table repeats codes for different battery and fuel configurations.

The selected lines show 4% ordinary duty and an attached 71.74% residual provisional anti-dumping measure. The published background identifies a boom-lift case with an exclusion declaration for goods outside its description. Confirm the exact forklift's exclusion and registration treatment with your customs broker. No suspension or separate countervailing rate is recorded.

The snapshot also attaches fluorinated-gas import control and waste import and export controls. For cab air-conditioning, identify the refrigerant; imported fluorinated-gas equipment must be labelled. If goods from China are waste under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the full applicable controls with your broker and check the commodity code. For the wider heading context, see sideloader forklifts.

Specify steering modes and the long-load route

Describe the loads: length, width, weight, centre of gravity and how they are supported on the forks or load platform. Give the factory your rack layout, aisle intersections, doorways, floor condition and outdoor route. Specify capacity at the required load centre and lift height, fork spacing, platform dimensions, lowered mast height and attachments.

Agree the required forward, sideways and diagonal travel modes, where fitted, and how the operator changes between them. Request a demonstration with a representative long load through the proposed route, including entry into the rack aisle. Record wheel alignment, steering response, load overhang and clearance rather than accepting an unloaded turning demonstration.

For Great Britain, confirm machinery conformity assessment and appropriate CE or UKCA marking requirements with the relevant authority. Request the exact configuration's declaration, English operating and maintenance instructions, capacity chart and supporting test records. Agree the battery and charger pairing, steering-controller diagnostics, replacement wheel assemblies and repair responsibility. Use factory verification to check assembly and testing capability.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: One diesel multidirectional forklift; illustrative order and values, with trade-remedy exclusion to be confirmed under 8427 20 19 90, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,000. Duty at 4% is £440. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,440, so it is £2,288. Import taxes total £2,728; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £440 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Configuration: match the serial number, mast, forks, load platform, attachments and power system to the order and capacity chart.

Steering and travel: have a competent tester demonstrate each agreed travel mode, mode changes, wheel alignment, brakes and parking brake with the representative load.

Load handling: check fork spacing, platform support, mast movement, chains and hydraulic leaks; verify clearances along the agreed long-load route.

Documents and arrival: match the declaration, marking and English instructions to the truck. Photograph wheel, fork and mast damage on arrival and repeat the acceptance checks. Use quality inspection to define the inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A truck can turn within the stated aisle while its load overhang strikes a rack upright or doorway. Sideways travel may work unloaded but reveal wheel misalignment or poor tracking under load. Headline capacity may exceed the capacity available with the ordered mast and attachment. Put the route, load configuration and acceptance demonstration in the purchase order.

Substituted steering controllers, tyres or batteries can change the agreed configuration and complicate servicing. Missing diagnostics make faults harder to resolve after delivery. Agree component identifiers, access to fault records and acceptance conditions before releasing the balance; check transport damage before putting the truck into service.

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.