Sourcing optical profile projectors from China

Duty on optical profile projectors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, optical profile projectors under 9031 49 10 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty, suspension or import control for this line. Heading 9031 covers measuring and checking equipment, including profile projectors.

The other table rows cover related equipment and separately classified parts, rather than alternative codes for complete profile projectors. The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control of fluorinated greenhouse gases to 9031 90 00 00. For parts declared there, the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker.

Confirm the commodity code against the instrument's actual measuring method and supplied configuration. See coordinate measuring machines for wider heading context, and the import duty and VAT guide for the calculation.

Specify the optics, stage and readout

Choose horizontal or vertical projection to suit the parts and fixtures. Specify screen size, usable field of view, lens magnifications, working clearance, stage travel and load capacity. Agree magnification error, stage measurement error and repeatability separately, together with the test method and room conditions.

List transmitted and reflected lighting, fixtures, lenses, digital readout and reporting software in the order. Ask for trials on your own parts, including recessed edges and reflective surfaces. Check applicable machinery, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility evidence, and confirm with the relevant authority which conformity marking is appropriate. For equipment within the electrical safety rules, the importer must ensure that instructions are supplied in easily understandable English.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative shipment of four optical profile projectors under 9031 49 10 00, invoiced at £25,200 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,200, so it is £6,240. 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

Optics: check magnification against a calibrated glass scale, centre and edge focus, image distortion and illumination at each supplied lens setting.

Stage: check travel, smooth movement, backlash and repeatability against the agreed specification using calibrated reference artefacts.

Documents: match the model and configuration to the conformity declaration, applicable safety evidence, calibration certificate and supplied instructions.

Arrival: inspect the screen, lenses, stage locks and crate indicators, then repeat the agreed accuracy tests after installation. Use the inspection guide to document acceptance.

What goes wrong

A sharp projected outline does not prove measurement accuracy. Magnification errors, stage backlash or uneven focus can make results depend on where the part sits. A fixture can also hide the edge being measured. Test representative parts and calibrated artefacts before dispatch, then repeat the checks after installation.

Transport can disturb alignment, while unsuitable lighting makes reflective parts difficult to inspect. Missing lenses, incompatible report formats and unclear software licences can leave an otherwise usable projector idle. Agree the packing method, included accessories, reporting format and acceptance criteria before ordering.

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.