Sourcing MVHR heat recovery units from China
An MVHR unit sold in Great Britain is a bidirectional ventilation unit under the retained ecodesign rules, which require a multi-speed or variable speed drive, a thermal bypass and a visual filter change warning; residential units also need the printed energy label in the packaging. Duty depends on classification: candidates showed 0% or 2% on 26 October 2026.
Products and search terms
MVHR unit, heat recovery ventilation, HRV unit, whole-house ventilation, balanced ventilation unit, heat recovery unit
Start with the house design, then the unit
An MVHR unit is selected from the airflow and duct resistance of a specific house. Have your UK ventilation designer approve the exact unit, controls and duct layout before you order; buying heat-recovery ventilation from China sets out the approval questions. This guide covers the product rules, duty and checks for importers and merchants.
Ask the factory for the airflow-against-pressure curves, specific fan power, heat recovery efficiency and sound data for the exact model, with the test laboratory and method. If the SAP calculation for the house will use product data, ask the SAP assessor what listing or test evidence they will accept before you choose the model.
Ecodesign and energy labelling in Great Britain
Regulation (EU) No 1253/2014, as it applies in Great Britain, sets ecodesign requirements for ventilation units. From 1 January 2018, all ventilation units except dual-use units must have a multi-speed or variable speed drive, all bidirectional units must have a thermal bypass, and units with a filter must have a visual filter change warning. Check each point on the sample, not just the brochure.
Regulation (EU) No 1254/2014 requires suppliers of residential ventilation units to provide a printed energy label, at least in the packaging, and a product fiche, with technical documentation available to the GB authorities on request. Agree with the factory who produces the GB label and fiche before printing the cartons.
The unit runs on mains voltage, so the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 also apply; see importing electrical goods for the declaration and technical file.
Duty: classify the unit before ordering in volume
An MVHR unit combines fans with a heat exchanger, so customs agents can reach different headings: 8414 59 for fans, or 8419 50 for heat exchange units. The UK Trade Tariff API, read on 26 October 2026, shows the rates below and no anti-dumping measure on China for either. For a repeat programme, an advance tariff ruling settles the code.
Ducting is classified separately; see flexible aluminium ventilation ducting.
| Candidate | Commodity code | Third-country duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fans (other) | 8414599590 | 2% | None shown |
| Heat exchange units (other) | 8419508090 | 0% | None shown |
Acceptance checks before shipment
On the pre-production sample, check the speed settings and boost, the summer bypass operating, the filter change warning, the condensate outlet, the control interface in English, and the energy label and fiche against the model. At pre-shipment inspection, check the rating plate, spigot sizes and orientation (left or right handed), filters fitted and spares packed, and run each sampled unit.
Cambridge China Bridge can check the factory, collect the test evidence through the testing and certification service and run the inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Does an MVHR unit need an energy label in the UK?
Residential ventilation units need a printed energy label, at least in the packaging, and a product fiche under Regulation 1254/2014 as it applies in Great Britain.
Must an MVHR unit have a summer bypass?
The GB ecodesign rules for ventilation units require all bidirectional units to have a thermal bypass facility from 1 January 2018.
What is the duty on MVHR units from China?
It depends on classification. The candidate fan line showed 2% and the heat exchange unit line 0% on 26 October 2026, with no anti-dumping duty on either.