Sourcing petrol passenger cars from China
Petrol passenger cars from China carry 10% UK duty across the new and used lines covered here; the listed 0% suspension is for ambulances only. Proof of vehicle approval is needed before registration and taxation. Confirm the exact variant, UK specification and parts support before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources petrol passenger cars.
UK duty on petrol passenger cars
Heading 8703 covers vehicles principally designed to transport people, including station wagons and racing cars. This guide covers passenger cars with only a petrol engine, classified by cylinder capacity and whether they are new or used. For other powertrains within the heading, see electric and plug-in hybrid cars. For diesel models, see our diesel passenger car sourcing guide. For side-by-side models, see our petrol side-by-side UTV sourcing guide. For enduro bikes, see our petrol enduro motorcycle sourcing guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all petrol passenger-car lines shown carry 10% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The listed 0% autonomous suspension applies only to ambulances. Import VAT is normally 20%. The tariff attaches fluorinated greenhouse gas import controls, waste import controls on used lines, and cultural-object and waste export controls. Ask your customs broker to confirm which declarations apply to your vehicle and movement.
Vehicle air-conditioning is included in official guidance on equipment pre-charged with fluorinated gas. Obtain the refrigerant type and charge quantity, then confirm the import requirement with your customs broker. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste; confirm the treatment of any used or damaged vehicle before shipment. Match the engine capacity, powertrain and new or used status using finding your commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| New petrol passenger cars, cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm³ | 8703 21 10 00 | 10% | None |
| Used petrol passenger cars, cylinder capacity not exceeding 1 000 cm³ | 8703 21 90 00 | 10% | None |
| New petrol passenger cars, over 1 000 cm³ and not exceeding 1 500 cm³ | 8703 22 10 00 | 10% | None |
| Used petrol passenger cars, over 1 000 cm³ and not exceeding 1 500 cm³ | 8703 22 90 00 | 10% | None |
| New petrol passenger cars, over 1 500 cm³ and not exceeding 3 000 cm³ | 8703 23 19 00 | 10% | None |
| Used petrol passenger cars, over 1 500 cm³ and not exceeding 3 000 cm³ | 8703 23 90 00 | 10% | None |
| New petrol passenger cars, cylinder capacity exceeding 3 000 cm³ | 8703 24 10 00 | 10% | None |
| Used petrol passenger cars, cylinder capacity exceeding 3 000 cm³ | 8703 24 90 00 | 10% | None |
Specify the engine, variant and approval route
Record the exact model, engine capacity, transmission, trim, steering position and vehicle identification number. Specify the right-hand-drive version you want, headlamps, speedometer display, diagnostic access and the documents supplied with each car. Ask for photographs and approval documents for the actual variant, rather than a brochure covering several markets.
Confirm with the relevant vehicle approval authority whether GB type approval, small series approval or individual approval is appropriate for the new car before road registration. Settle the route before ordering and check that the documents cover the supplied variant. Agree who supplies filters, brakes, body panels and diagnostic support, and who handles warranty repairs in the UK.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative dealer order of 20 new petrol passenger cars; freight includes insurance under 8703 23 19 00, invoiced at £400,000 free on board, with £16,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £416,000. Duty at 10% is £41,600. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £457,600, so it is £91,520. Import taxes total £133,120; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £41,600 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the vehicle identification number, engine specification and trim against the invoice, vehicle documents and inspection record.
Engine and transmission: observe a cold start, check for leaks, record warning lights and diagnostic faults, and test gear selection and operation.
UK specification: check steering position, headlamp operation, speedometer display, air-conditioning and the availability of usable manuals and diagnostic equipment.
Arrival condition: photograph panels, glass, wheels and underbody against the pre-shipment record; check tyres, battery condition, keys and supplied accessories. Plan the checks through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
An approval document may cover a different engine, transmission or variant from the car delivered. A domestic-market specification can also leave the buyer arranging lighting changes, diagnostic access or replacement parts after arrival. Verify the supplied build and agree support responsibilities before releasing the order.
Used cars need a clear condition history, with repair photographs and inspection records where available. You cannot register and tax a seriously damaged vehicle. Do not treat a low purchase price or a running engine as proof that registration or the tariff's waste-control requirements have been resolved.
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 cars from China?
The new and used petrol passenger-car lines shown carry 10% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The listed 0% suspension is for ambulances only. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Can I register a Chinese petrol car in Britain?
Proof of vehicle approval is needed to register and tax it. Confirm the approval route and exact variant before buying. Ask the relevant vehicle approval authority whether GB type approval, small series approval or individual approval is appropriate for the new car.
What should I specify when ordering petrol cars?
Specify engine capacity, transmission, trim, steering position, lighting and speedometer display. Agree approval documents, diagnostic access, spare parts and UK warranty arrangements.
Can I import a damaged used petrol car?
Check its condition and registration eligibility before shipment. A seriously damaged vehicle cannot be registered and taxed. Used-car tariff lines also attach waste controls; confirm the requirement with your customs broker.