Sourcing permanent magnetic chucks from China
Permanent magnetic workholding chucks and their parts from China carry 0% UK duty on the relevant tariff lines, with no listed trade remedies. Equipment supplied for use at work must be safe, so far as reasonably practicable, and come with adequate safe-use information. Cambridge China Bridge sources permanent magnetic workholding chucks.
Zero duty on permanent magnetic chucks
Heading 8505 includes permanent magnets, magnetic chucks, clamps and similar holding devices, alongside electromagnets, electromagnetic couplings and lifting heads. This guide covers permanent magnetic workholding chucks. The table separates common chuck configurations that share a commodity line, plus separately imported parts.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, complete chucks under 8505 90 29 99 and other parts under 8505 90 90 90 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied entries list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the construction, switching method, intended use and whether the shipment contains complete chucks or parts. For the wider heading and electrically energised alternatives, see electromagnetic grinding chucks.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rectangular permanent magnetic workholding chucks | 8505 90 29 99 | 0% | None |
| Parts for permanent magnetic workholding chucks | 8505 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the workpiece, poles and mounting
Define a manually switched permanent magnetic chuck clearly in the enquiry. Specify the workpiece material, smallest contact footprint, thickness, surface condition and machining operation. Agree face dimensions, pole pitch, mounting slots, handle clearance, face flatness, coolant compatibility and any permitted resurfacing. Ask the factory to identify the conditions behind its holding-force claim.
Agree acceptance tests using representative workpieces, covering normal pull, resistance to sliding and release after switching off. A pull test on a thick, clean steel plate does not establish suitability for thin or irregular parts. Employers must provide work equipment suitable for its intended purpose.
Equipment supplied for use at work must be safe, so far as reasonably practicable, and accompanied by adequate safe-use information. Ask for instructions covering mounting, switching, workpiece limitations, cleaning and maintenance. Match these instructions to the supplied model and arrange factory verification where manufacturing capability needs checking.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10 compact manually switched permanent magnetic chucks under 8505 90 29 99, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,600, so it is £720. 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
Geometry: check face flatness, pole layout, mounting slots and handle clearance against the approved drawing; inspect the base and face for transport damage.
Holding: repeat the agreed pull and sliding tests with representative workpieces and record their material, thickness, contact area and surface condition.
Switching: check full handle travel, clear holding and release positions, repeatable operation and residual attraction after release.
Arrival: check corrosion, damaged seals, loose fittings, model identification and the supplied instructions; agree these checks in the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A chuck can pass a demonstration with thick steel yet hold a small, thin or rough workpiece poorly. Pole spacing, incomplete contact and unsuitable workpiece material can undermine holding. Warped faces or bases affect machining accuracy, while a stiff switching mechanism or residual attraction makes unloading difficult.
Approve the chuck with your actual workpiece and mounting arrangement before accepting bulk supply. Specify packing that protects the precision face and switching handle from impact and moisture. For air shipment, ask the forwarder about magnetised-material assessment; strong magnetic fields can require a field test or alternative transport.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on permanent magnetic chucks from China?
The supplied tariff reading shows 0% duty under 8505 90 29 99 for complete chucks and 8505 90 90 90 for other parts, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties.
What pole pitch should I specify for a magnetic chuck?
Choose it around the smallest workpiece footprint and thickness. Ask the factory to demonstrate holding and release with representative parts rather than relying on a general pull-force claim.
How do I inspect permanent magnetic workholding chucks?
Check face flatness, mounting dimensions, switching and release. Repeat agreed holding tests with representative workpieces and inspect for corrosion or transport damage.
Can permanent magnetic chucks be shipped by air?
Ask the forwarder to assess the packed goods. Strongly magnetised material can be dangerous goods for air transport, so a field test or sea shipment may be needed.