Sourcing pallet weighing beams from China
Pallet weighing beams from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant complete-scale and parts lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. For beams used to buy or sell goods by weight, confirm conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources pallet weighing beams.
Duty on complete beam scales and parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant lines within heading 8423 carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This heading covers weighing machinery and its parts; distinguish a complete beam scale with its indicator from a shipment of components.
For complete electronic beam scales, the tariff distinguishes maximum capacity over 30 kg and up to 5 000 kg from higher capacities. Parts have separate lines. Confirm the commodity code from the capacity, weighing method and contents of the shipment. For the wider product family, see industrial platform scales.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete electronic pallet beam scales, capacity over 30 kg and up to 5 000 kg | 8423 82 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Complete electronic pallet beam scales, capacity over 5 000 kg | 8423 89 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of electronic weighing machinery | 8423 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other weighing machinery parts and weighing machine weights | 8423 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the beams and the complete weighing system
Specify beam length, loading height, permitted spacing, pallet support positions and floor conditions. Agree maximum capacity, display division, accuracy, tare operation, cable length and power supply. State whether the order includes matched load cells, junction box, indicator, connecting cables and calibration records. Send the factory drawings of the pallets and loads you actually handle.
For buying or selling goods by weight, confirm the applicable conformity assessment requirements under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 with the relevant authority. Check that the approval covers the supplied beam, load-cell and indicator combination. The metrology marking is required alongside CE or UKCA marking. Ask for the matching certificate before ordering; use testing and certification support to review the evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of complete pallet weighing beam sets for a warehouse equipment reseller under 8423 82 20 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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
Fit and support: check beam dimensions against the drawing, place representative pallets on the beams and confirm stable support without contact with the floor or surrounding equipment.
Readings: use certified test weights across the agreed range. Check repeatability, off-centre loading, tare and return to zero, recording the beam spacing and indicator settings used.
Build and connections: inspect welds, coating, feet, cable protection and connectors. Check that moving the beams does not pull on load-cell wiring or leave cables trapped beneath a pallet.
Documents and identification: during quality inspection, match the supplied indicator and load cells to the order and calibration records. For trade use, check the approval certificate and metrology marking against the delivered system.
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What goes wrong
A pallet can bridge beyond its intended supports, touch the floor or load the beams unevenly. These conditions can produce different readings even when the display appears steady. Repeat the acceptance test with your pallet shapes and agreed beam spacing after arrival.
Substituted indicators or load cells can leave the delivered system different from the approved sample. Bent feet, damaged cables and moisture at connectors also deserve attention. Record component identities before dispatch and compare them with the goods received; agree how failed readings and damaged components will be handled.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on pallet weighing beams from China?
The relevant complete-scale and parts lines in heading 8423 carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Do pallet weighing beams need trade approval?
When non-automatic beam scales are used to buy or sell goods by weight, confirm conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements with the relevant authority. Check approval for the complete supplied system.
Can I order weighing beams without an indicator?
Yes, but agree whether the shipment is parts or a complete instrument. Specify the intended indicator, load-cell compatibility, wiring and who will calibrate the assembled system.
How should I test pallet weighing beams on arrival?
Check damage and component identities, then test with certified weights and representative pallets. Record repeatability, off-centre readings, tare and return to zero at the agreed beam spacing.