Sourcing pneumatic air motors from China
Pneumatic air motors from China carry 4% UK duty; qualifying motor parts carry 0%. In Great Britain, motors supplied as partly completed machinery must come with assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation. Specify torque and air consumption at the intended supply pressure. Cambridge China Bridge sources pneumatic air motors.
Duty on air motors and related parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, ordinary rotary pneumatic air motors under 8412 39 00 90 carried 4% duty from China, while other qualifying motor parts under 8412 90 70 90 carried 0%. Neither line showed anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. Heading 8412 covers other engines and motors.
The table includes neighbouring pneumatic categories to help distinguish motors from cylinders and actuators. The specified turbocharger actuator line has a conditional 0.00 % suspension against its ordinary 4% duty. This is not a general air-motor exemption. The UK Trade Tariff attaches Supplementary unit import to that actuator line; the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the motor's operating principle, intended function and whether the shipment contains complete motors or parts. For the wider heading, see hydraulic motors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other pneumatic motors, including rotary air motors | 8412 39 00 90 | 4% | None |
| Pneumatic cylinders, for comparison with rotary motors | 8412 31 00 90 | 4% | None |
| Specified turbocharger actuators, a separate pneumatic category | 8412 39 00 20 | 4% | None |
| Other engine and motor parts, subject to classification | 8412 90 70 90 | 0% | None |
Specify torque at the available air supply
Specify starting torque, running torque, loaded speed and air consumption at the intended inlet pressure. State rotation direction, reversing arrangement, duty cycle, shaft dimensions, mounting face, port threads and exhaust arrangement. Ask for performance curves with the test pressure and air conditions identified.
Agree whether the motor needs lubricated air, the filtration and moisture conditions, seal materials and replacement vane or seal availability. Test a sample with the intended regulator, hoses and silencer, since restrictions can change the delivered performance.
For Great Britain, agree whether the supplied assembly is partly completed machinery. If it is, assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation must accompany it until incorporation into machinery. Ask the supplier to identify the exact model and supplied configuration in those documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative batch of rotary pneumatic air motors under 8412 39 00 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,780 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,780. Duty at 4% is £231.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,011.20, so it is £1,202.24. Import taxes total £1,433.44; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £231.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Performance: check starting under the agreed load, loaded speed, torque and air consumption at the specified inlet conditions; record the test setup.
Interfaces: measure the shaft, keyway and mounting face against the drawing; check port threads and rotation direction.
Condition: check leakage, uneven running, exhaust restriction and signs of contamination; confirm lubrication instructions and capped ports.
Documents and packing: match model identification to the agreed documents, check spare kits and protect shafts and machined faces. Use the inspection guide to arrange shipment checks.
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What goes wrong
A motor selected by unloaded speed can stall when starting the buyer's load. Comparing performance figures taken at different pressures can hide excessive air demand. Undersized hoses or a restrictive silencer can leave a suitable motor short of torque at the installation.
Wrong shaft dimensions prevent fitting, and the wrong lubrication arrangement can accelerate wear. Set acceptance conditions before ordering and repeat the agreed sample checks on arrival. Resolve missing assembly documents before incorporating a motor supplied as partly completed machinery.
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 pneumatic air motors from China?
Ordinary pneumatic motors under 8412 39 00 90 carry 4% duty from China in the supplied tariff reading, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Other qualifying motor parts carry 0%.
What documents should accompany an air motor?
For Great Britain, a motor supplied as partly completed machinery must be accompanied by assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation. Agree the supplied assembly's status before ordering.
How do I compare Chinese air motor quotations?
Compare starting torque, running torque, loaded speed and air consumption at the same inlet conditions. Match shaft dimensions, mounting, rotation direction and lubrication needs to your installation.
Can I claim the turbocharger actuator duty suspension for an air motor?
The suspension applies to the specified turbocharger actuator category, not ordinary rotary air motors. Ask your broker to check the exact description before claiming it.