Sourcing phase contrast microscopes from China
Phase contrast optical microscopes from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant heading 9011 lines. Mains-powered models need electrical safety conformity evidence for sale in Great Britain. Specify matched phase objectives and condenser annuli, then test their alignment. Cambridge China Bridge sources phase contrast optical microscopes.
UK duty on phase contrast microscopes
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 9011 covers compound optical microscopes, including instruments for photomicrography and microprojection. All listed lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspensions.
The tariff attaches a DCMS Export Licence control to every listed line. Official guidance says there are no licensing requirements for importing objects of cultural interest into Great Britain. Ask your customs broker to confirm how this export-control entry affects the declaration for your shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the instrument's configuration and imaging function. The semiconductor line requires dedicated wafer or reticle handling equipment; a camera port alone does not describe that line. See the wider microscope guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other compound microscopes, including laboratory phase contrast models | 9011 80 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other microscopes for photomicrography, cinephotomicrography or microprojection | 9011 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Microscope parts and accessories | 9011 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Photomicrographic microscopes with dedicated semiconductor wafer or reticle handling | 9011 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the complete phase contrast system
Specify upright or inverted construction, finite or infinity-corrected optics, objective grade and magnifications, working distance and specimen format. List each phase objective with its matching condenser annulus. Include the centring telescope or equivalent alignment aid, annulus adjustment mechanism, bright-field setting, illumination, stage travel and camera connection.
For culture vessels, ask the supplier to demonstrate the proposed objectives and condenser with your actual vessel type. Approve images of an unstained specimen in both bright field and phase contrast, using the same specimen and settings recorded in the sample approval.
For mains-powered illumination intended for the Great Britain market, confirm electrical safety conformity evidence, UKCA or CE marking, declaration of conformity and UK importer identification requirements with the relevant product safety authority. Also confirm which electromagnetic compatibility, restricted substances and waste electrical equipment obligations apply to the exact configuration with the relevant authorities. Electrical equipment must be accompanied by clear, legible instructions in easily understandable English. Request model-specific paperwork through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 150 laboratory phase contrast microscopes for a business stock order, illustrative under 9011 80 00 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £28,500, so it is £5,700. 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
Phase alignment: check the condenser annulus centres on the objective phase ring at every supplied phase setting, and that adjustment holds after changing objectives.
Image quality: compare the approved unstained specimen in bright field and phase contrast; check contrast, field illumination, edge sharpness, dust and fungus.
Mechanics: check parfocality, smooth coarse and fine focus, stage movement, nosepiece positioning and clearance with the intended slides or culture vessels.
Delivery: check objective and annulus identification, alignment accessories, illumination, adaptor, markings and paperwork. On arrival, repeat alignment and image checks before accepting the batch. Check that packing prevents movement; use the inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A microscope supplied with phase-labelled objectives can still lack the matching condenser annuli or a usable centring aid. Mismatched rings, off-centre annuli and unsuitable vessel clearance can make the supplied configuration unusable for the buyer's specimens.
Focus drift, uneven illumination and transit movement can undermine an approved sample's performance. Put the objective-to-annulus pairing and sample comparison procedure into the purchase specification. Require fixed packing and desiccant, then repeat the agreed checks on arrival.
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 phase contrast microscopes from China?
The relevant heading 9011 lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff facts, read on 1 October 2026. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is listed.
Does a camera port determine the microscope's commodity code?
Do not choose the code from the camera port alone. Give your broker the complete configuration and imaging function; the semiconductor photomicrography line also specifies dedicated wafer or reticle handling.
What must come with a phase contrast microscope?
Specify matched phase objectives and condenser annuli, a centring aid, suitable illumination and the required specimen clearance. Check the complete configuration against your approved sample.
What should I test when phase contrast microscopes arrive?
Check annulus-to-ring alignment at every supplied phase setting, image contrast on an unstained specimen, parfocality, focus drift, stage movement and packing damage.