Sourcing neodymium and ferrite magnets from China
Permanent magnets from China, including neodymium and samarium rare earth magnets, ferrite magnets, electromagnets, magnetic chucks and clutches, pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Small strong magnets are a swallowing hazard, magnetised goods need care by air, and grade, coating and tolerance decide performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Neodymium, samarium and ferrite permanent magnets, electromagnets, magnetic chucks and clutches pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, permanent magnets of metal containing neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium or samarium, other metal magnets, agglomerated ferrite magnets, other permanent magnets, electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes, electromagnets and magnetic holding devices, lifting heads and parts carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Magnetic toys and fridge magnets may be classified as toys or souvenirs; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare earth metal magnets (neodymium, samarium), other | 8505 11 10 99 | 0% | None |
| Other metal permanent magnets | 8505 11 90 99 | 0% | None |
| Agglomerated ferrite magnets | 8505 19 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Electromagnetic couplings, clutches and brakes | 8505 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Electromagnets, magnetic chucks and holding devices | 8505 90 29 99 | 0% | None |
| Electromagnetic lifting heads | 8505 90 50 90 | 0% | None |
| Parts | 8505 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Safety of small magnets
Swallowed strong magnets can attract each other through the bowel. Magnets in toys must meet the toy safety rules on magnetic flux, and loose small magnets sold to consumers should carry warnings and be kept away from children; the toy safety guide explains when an item counts as a toy.
Grade, coating and shipping
Specify grade (for example N42 or N52), maximum working temperature, coating (nickel, zinc or epoxy), dimensions with tolerance and magnetisation direction, and ask for a demagnetisation curve for the grade. Air carriers treat magnetised material as dangerous goods when its field is strong enough, so ask the forwarder about a field test or ship by sea.
Inspection
At inspection, measure pull force or flux density, dimensions and coating, and check packing uses spacers.
Cambridge China Bridge sources neodymium and ferrite magnets and magnetic assemblies, with grade, safety and shipping settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on neodymium magnets from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, rare earth and ferrite permanent magnets and other heading 8505 goods carried 0% duty from China.
Can magnets be sent by air?
Strongly magnetised goods can be dangerous goods for air transport, so a field test or sea freight may be needed.
Are small magnets a safety issue?
Yes. Swallowed strong magnets are dangerous, and magnets in toys must meet the toy safety rules.
What should a magnet specification include?
Grade, working temperature, coating, dimensions with tolerance and magnetisation direction.