Sourcing polyurethane pneumatic tubing from China
The relevant polyurethane pneumatic tubing lines carry 6% UK duty for goods from China, with no duty variation among the selected lines. Check pressure-equipment requirements before sale, and specify dimensions, fitting compatibility and pressure performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources polyurethane pneumatic tubing.
UK duty on polyurethane pneumatic tubing
Heading 3917 covers plastic tubes, pipes, hoses and their fittings. For polyurethane pneumatic tubing, distinguish unreinforced tube supplied without fittings from fitted assemblies, reinforced constructions and tubing meeting the listed minimum burst pressure. The table gives possible classifications, rather than interchangeable codes.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, all selected lines carried 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Controls on sausage casings and the suspension for specified car-fuel connectors concern different products within the heading.
Send your customs broker the material specification, reinforcement details, fitting arrangement and burst-test evidence. Confirm the commodity code before ordering. For related hose purchases, see our rubber and hydraulic hoses guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other unreinforced flexible tubing, without fittings | 3917 32 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Other unreinforced flexible tubing, with fittings | 3917 33 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Other flexible tubing, including reinforced constructions | 3917 39 00 99 | 6% | None |
| Other flexible tubing with minimum burst pressure of 27,6 MPa | 3917 31 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the tubing and its fitting interface
Specify polyurethane grade, ether or ester type, hardness, outside and inside diameter, dimensional tolerances, colour, coil length and marking. State the operating temperature range, working pressure at that temperature, minimum bend radius and whether the air supply contains oil or moisture. Ask for test records identifying the actual grade and size offered.
Approve samples in your intended push-in fittings. Agree checks for leakage, retention, repeated bending and recovery after coiling. Keep working-pressure claims separate from burst-test results, and ask the supplier to explain any reduction in pressure capability as temperature rises.
Pressure-equipment rules set requirements before covered equipment or assemblies can be placed on the Great Britain market; HSE includes tubing within its description of piping. Ask the supplier to explain the product's classification and provide the corresponding documentation for review. REACH restrictions can limit, ban or condition substances placed on the market or used, so request composition information for the tubing and its colour additives.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial stock order of coiled polyurethane pneumatic tubing under 3917 32 00 90, invoiced at £1,500 free on board, with £1,170 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,670. Duty at 6% is £160.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,830.20, so it is £566.04. Import taxes total £726.24; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £160.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure outside diameter, bore and wall consistency against the approved specification, including ovality and variation along the coil.
Fitting grip: test sampled tubing with the intended fittings for insertion, retention and leakage under the agreed test conditions.
Pressure and flexing: match test records to the shipped grade and size, and check for kinking, cracking and permanent deformation.
Packing and identity: check coil lengths, capped or protected ends, cleanliness, batch identification and carton counts. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the report.
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What goes wrong
Tubing can match the nominal diameter yet leak because its tolerance, ovality or hardness does not suit the fitting. A softer substitute may kink, while a change in polyurethane grade can alter performance in moisture or oil. Record the approved material and reject substitutions unless you have tested and accepted them.
A room-temperature burst result does not establish working performance beside a warm machine. Reject unsupported pressure claims and reports for a different size or construction. Keep suspect coils separate on arrival until dimensional, fitting and performance checks are complete.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on polyurethane pneumatic tubing from China?
The selected tubing lines carry 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no trade remedies, suspensions or attached import controls on those lines.
Which commodity code fits plain polyurethane air tubing?
3917 32 00 90 is a candidate for other unreinforced tubing without fittings. Confirm construction and burst-pressure characteristics with your customs broker.
What should I test before buying polyurethane tubing?
Check dimensions and ovality, fitting grip, leakage, bending behaviour and pressure performance at the intended operating temperature. Use samples of the actual proposed grade.
What UK compliance documents should I ask the factory for?
Ask for its pressure-equipment classification explanation and corresponding documentation, plus composition information to review applicable REACH restrictions. Match test records to the supplied tubing.