Sourcing picosecond laser sources from China

Duty on picosecond laser sources

Heading 9013 covers lasers other than laser diodes and other optical appliances and instruments not specified elsewhere in the chapter. For a picosecond laser source supplied as a laser rather than a complete processing machine, the relevant line is 9013 20 00 00. Other qualifying parts and accessories appear under 9013 90 80 00. The table separates source variants that share the same code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the supplied tariff record shows 0% duty on these lines for goods from China. It records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached control for these lines. These tariff findings do not replace product safety checks.

Confirm the commodity code using the supplied configuration, intended use and whether the shipment contains a source, parts or a complete machine. The femtosecond laser sources guide provides related sourcing context within the wider heading.

Specify the pulse and integration conditions

Specify wavelength, pulse duration, pulse energy, repetition rate and average power together at the operating settings you will use. Agree the pulse measurement method and acceptance tolerances before ordering. Include beam quality, polarisation, pointing stability, warm-up conditions and whether burst operation is needed. Ask for measurement records tied to the supplied source’s serial number.

Define the laser head, controller, power supply, cooling connections, trigger interface and control software included in the order. Provide your mounting arrangement and processing conditions. Request an acceptance trial using your material, with agreed checks for edge quality, debris and heat effects.

For industrial laser modules, confirm applicable classification, warning-label and interlock requirements with the relevant product safety authority. Electromagnetic compatibility rules cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, subject to exceptions. For equipment within the electrical safety rules, the manufacturer must supply clear, legible instructions in understandable English. Ask a testing and certification specialist to review the supplied configuration.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: A picosecond laser source for a business evaluation order, illustrative only under 9013 20 00 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,200, so it is £5,040. 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

Pulse output: have a competent laboratory measure pulse duration, pulse energy and average power at the agreed repetition rate. A power reading alone does not establish pulse duration.

Beam delivery: check wavelength, beam profile, pointing stability and output at the specified measurement position after warm-up.

Integration: verify cooling connections, trigger response, controller communication and restart behaviour against the approved configuration.

Safety and identity: match serial numbers to measurement records, inspect warning and aperture labels, and test interlock behaviour within a controlled test setup. Check supplied instructions and inspect the housing and optical window for transport damage.

What goes wrong

A source can meet its advertised average power while failing your pulse-energy or pulse-duration specification at the selected repetition rate. Acceptance disputes also arise when beam quality is measured at a different output setting, or a processing demonstration uses different material. Put the operating conditions and measurement method in the purchase specification.

Cooling problems, incompatible trigger signals and movement during transport can undermine an otherwise acceptable factory test. Arrange arrival checks before installation. HSE says significant workplace radiation risks must be controlled. Agree the enclosure and safe testing arrangements with your competent laser safety adviser before energising the source.

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.