Sourcing pneumatic impact wrenches from China

UK duty and classification

Heading 8467 covers hand-held pneumatic tools alongside other powered tools. The table shows relevant pneumatic categories and parts, rather than interchangeable codes for every impact wrench. Distinguish complete rotary-percussion tools from other pneumatic tools and separately supplied spare parts.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the commodity code using the operating mechanism, intended application and whether the shipment contains complete tools or parts. The pneumatic die grinder guide provides related coverage within the wider heading. For separately sourced motors, see our pneumatic air motor sourcing guide.

Specify torque against the workshop air supply

Specify square-drive size, socket retention, tightening and loosening tasks, working torque, reverse control, weight and access around the fastener. Separate working torque from advertised breakaway torque. Agree a repeatable loaded test using representative fasteners and the intended sockets.

State inlet pressure, air consumption, hose bore, coupling type and lubrication instructions. Test with the buyer's air system or an agreed equivalent, recording pressure at the tool under load. Agree spare anvils, seals and trigger components against the approved sample.

For supply in Great Britain, request the exact model's declaration of conformity, English instructions, marking and technical evidence, and confirm the applicable machinery supply requirements with the relevant authority. CE marking remains recognised indefinitely in Great Britain. Employers should confirm any separate work-equipment and vibration obligations with the relevant authority; declared vibration is not the operator's real-use exposure.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 60 pneumatic impact wrenches; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 8467 11 90 00, invoiced at £2,025 free on board, with £150 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,175. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,175, so it is £435. 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

Identity: match model, drive, inlet connection, instructions and conformity documents to the approved sample.

Loaded performance: repeat the agreed tightening and loosening tests, recording air conditions and results rather than accepting catalogue torque alone.

Controls and retention: check trigger return, direction selection, socket retention, air leakage and housing damage.

Batch consistency: compare sampled tools for performance, assembly and supplied accessories; record defects through a quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A sample tested with a short unrestricted hose may perform differently on the workshop's longer hose and couplings. Disputes also arise when advertised breakaway torque is treated as repeatable tightening torque. Put the air setup, fastener condition and acceptance method in the purchase specification.

Look for leaking seals, inconsistent reverse operation, worn socket retention and spare parts that do not fit the delivered model. A conformity logo or a report for another model does not establish product approval. Resolve document mismatches and failed loaded tests before accepting the shipment.

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.