Sourcing compression therapy pumps from China
Pneumatic compression therapy pumps from China carry 0% UK duty under other mechano-therapy apparatus, subject to classification. Medical intended use brings medical device conformity and registration obligations before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources pneumatic compression therapy pumps.
Duty and classification for compression pumps
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9019 covers mechano-therapy and massage apparatus alongside therapeutic respiration equipment. Pneumatic compression therapy pumps should be assessed against other mechano-therapy apparatus, code 9019 10 90 00. The table shows different pump configurations under the same candidate tariff line, rather than separate commodity lines.
That line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. This tariff position does not replace the medical device obligations applicable to a pump with a medical intended purpose.
Confirm the commodity code using the pump's operating principle, intended use and the contents of the imported kit. The wider massage apparatus guide covers other products within this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other mechano-therapy apparatus: compression pump with leg sleeves | 9019 10 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the pump, sleeves and medical purpose
Write down the intended users, treatment setting and exact claims before selecting a factory. If the manufacturer's intended use is to treat or alleviate disease or injury, confirm with the medicines regulator whether the product falls within medical device rules. For Great Britain, medical devices need registration with the medicines regulator before being placed on the market; confirm the conformity assessment appropriate to the device's class with that regulator. An overseas manufacturer should also confirm the applicable UK Responsible Person arrangements with the regulator.
Specify the pressure range and tolerance, inflation sequence, chamber arrangement, cycle settings, sleeve dimensions, hose connections and pressure release. Agree how these will be measured with the actual sleeves fitted. Request cleaning instructions, contraindications, electrical safety reports and conformity documents for the exact model. Have the supplier explain its device classification rather than assuming a class from its catalogue.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business consignment of compression therapy pump and sleeve kits under 9019 10 90 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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
Pressure and sequence: measure delivered pressure against the agreed tolerance with the supplied sleeves attached; verify chamber inflation order and repeatability.
Sleeves and hoses: check dimensions, seam integrity, fasteners, connector retention and leaks. Confirm that each supplied sleeve matches the approved pump configuration.
Stop and release: check the stop control, pressure release and behaviour when power is interrupted, using the manufacturer's approved test procedure.
Identity and paperwork: compare model identification, labels and English instructions with the agreed documents. Check carton contents and repeat functional checks on arrival. Agree the sampling and test method in the inspection brief.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A working compressor can conceal leaking sleeve seams, crossed hose connections or an incorrect inflation sequence. A pressure shown on the display may differ from pressure delivered to the sleeve. Test the complete kit against an approved sample and record the measuring method; checking the pump alone misses these faults.
Documents can describe a different controller, sleeve arrangement or intended use from the goods supplied. Match the model and manufacturer across the declaration, reports, labels and instructions before shipment. Resolve medical claims and the Great Britain registration route before approving packaging.
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 pneumatic compression therapy pumps from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% for other mechano-therapy apparatus under 9019 10 90 00, with no listed trade remedy. Confirm that this code fits the exact pump and imported kit.
Does a compression therapy pump need medical device registration?
For a pump with a medical intended purpose, registration with the medicines regulator is required before placement on the Great Britain market. An overseas manufacturer should confirm the applicable UK Responsible Person arrangements with the regulator.
How do I check the pressure claimed by a Chinese factory?
Agree the test method and tolerance before ordering. Measure delivered pressure with the supplied sleeves connected, then check inflation sequence, leaks and pressure release against the approved specification.
Can I change the sleeves supplied with the pump?
Ask the manufacturer to confirm compatibility and document coverage before changing sleeves. Compare chamber layout, connector mapping, fit and measured pressure using the proposed complete kit.