Sourcing oscilloscopes and multimeters from China
Oscilloscopes, multimeters, clamp meters, insulation testers, network and telecom testers, semiconductor test equipment and radiation detectors from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Safety depends on the measurement category and the test report behind it, and calibration decides whether results can be trusted. Cambridge China Bridge sources electrical test instruments.
Oscilloscopes, multimeters, clamp meters, radiation detectors and other electrical test instruments pay 0% UK duty from China. Safety explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, instruments for measuring or detecting ionising radiation, oscilloscopes, multimeters, instruments for measuring voltage, current, resistance or power, telecommunications test instruments, semiconductor test equipment, other instruments and parts of heading 9030 carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Electricity meters are in heading 9028, covered in the meters guide. Confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionising radiation detectors | 9030 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Oscilloscopes and oscillographs | 9030 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Multimeters without recording device, other | 9030 31 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Multimeters with recording device | 9030 32 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Telecommunications test instruments | 9030 40 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Semiconductor wafer and device testers | 9030 82 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories | 9030 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Measurement category and safety
Handheld meters and probes are rated by measurement category and voltage under the BS EN 61010 series, and the rating printed on the meter must be backed by a test report from a credible laboratory. Mains-powered instruments fall within the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016; battery meters are outside their voltage range but still need to be safe.
Instruments bring WEEE obligations, and wireless models are radio equipment.
Accuracy and calibration
Specify bandwidth, sample rate and channels for oscilloscopes, and accuracy per range for meters. Ask for a calibration certificate for each unit, and for professional users a certificate traceable to national standards.
Inspection
At inspection, check readings against a reference source, the category marking, fuses and test leads.
Cambridge China Bridge sources oscilloscopes, multimeters and electrical test instruments, with safety rating and calibration settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on multimeters from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, multimeters, oscilloscopes and other heading 9030 instruments carried 0% duty from China.
What is a measurement category rating?
A rating under the BS EN 61010 series that shows which circuits and voltages a meter can safely be used on; it must be backed by a test report.
Are electricity meters in heading 9030?
No. Supply meters are in heading 9028.
Do test instruments need calibration certificates?
Ask for one with each unit, traceable to national standards for professional users.