Sourcing petrol generator engines from China
Petrol generator engines from China generally pay 2% to 4% UK duty, depending on cylinder capacity and power. Engines fitted to new non-road mobile machinery sold in Great Britain must be emission type-approved and carry approval markings. Confirm shaft fit and power at the intended running speed. Cambridge China Bridge sources petrol generator engines.
Petrol generator engine duty: 2% to 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8407 covers spark-ignition reciprocating or rotary internal combustion piston engines. This guide concerns separately supplied petrol engines for generators. Complete generating sets fall under heading 8502. For other applications within the engine heading, see the petrol lawnmower engines guide.
The general-purpose lines relevant here carry 2% duty for cylinder capacity not exceeding 250 cm³ and 4% above that capacity, split by whether power exceeds 10 kW. These lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Garden-equipment suspensions elsewhere in the heading are not generator-engine relief. The table separates recoil and electric starting options under the same small-engine code.
Confirm the commodity code using the engine specification and intended application, rather than a supplier's suggested code alone. Record whether the shipment contains bare engines or complete generating sets. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recoil-start petrol generator engines, cylinder capacity not exceeding 250 cm³ | 8407 90 10 90 | 2% | None |
| Petrol generator engines over 250 cm³, power not exceeding 10 kW | 8407 90 80 90 | 4% | None |
| Petrol generator engines over 250 cm³, power exceeding 10 kW | 8407 90 90 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the engine and alternator interface
State petrol fuel, cylinder capacity, cooling method, continuous shaft power at the intended running speed, governor type and permitted speed variation under load. Specify shaft orientation, diameter, taper or keyway, end thread, rotation direction, mounting holes and coupling drawing. Agree recoil or electric starting, charging arrangements, fuel tank, silencer, air filter and low-oil shutdown.
For engines intended for new portable generators sold in Great Britain, ask for the emission type-approval certificate and check the approval marking on the actual engine. Where the engine is supplied as partly completed machinery, it must come with instructions for safe incorporation and a declaration of incorporation. Agree English installation and service instructions, an illustrated parts list and replacement parts before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 recoil-start petrol generator engines under 8407 90 10 90, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,200. Duty at 2% is £184. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,384, so it is £1,876.80. Import taxes total £2,060.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £184 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and documents: match model, serial identification and approval marking to the supplied documents and ordered specification.
Shaft and mountings: measure the shaft, taper or keyway and mounting pattern against the drawing; trial-fit the intended coupling.
Running test: check cold starting and hot restarting, record speed and shaft output under the agreed load, and test governor response and low-oil shutdown.
Arrival condition: inspect castings, mounting feet, shaft ends, wiring and fuel connections for transit damage; check for leaks after running. Use the same checks before shipment through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A quoted peak power can conceal inadequate continuous output at the generator's working speed. An incorrect shaft taper, rotation direction or mounting pattern can prevent assembly even when the engine's displacement matches. Governor hunting, difficult hot starting and leaks can emerge only after a loaded running test.
Documents for a different engine model leave approval unresolved. Keep the approval marking, engine specification and supplied configuration together for review. Avoid accepting a substituted carburettor, governor or silencer without checking its effect on the agreed specification. A quote check can identify missing interface details before payment.
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 petrol generator engines from China?
The relevant general-purpose lines carry 2% for cylinder capacity not exceeding 250 cm³ and 4% above it. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on these lines.
Do petrol engines for portable generators need emission approval?
For engines fitted to new non-road mobile machinery sold in Great Britain, confirm the applicable emission type-approval and approval-marking requirements with the relevant authority. Ask for the certificate matching the actual engine model.
Is a complete petrol generator classified as an engine?
Complete generating sets fall under heading 8502. This guide covers separately supplied petrol engines within heading 8407. Confirm exactly what the shipment contains before choosing the code.
What should I check before ordering a replacement generator engine?
Check shaft dimensions, taper or keyway, rotation, mounting holes, governed speed and continuous output. Also confirm starting arrangements, shutdown wiring, silencer clearance and coupling fit.