Sourcing oil delivery meters from China

Duty on oil delivery meters and parts

Heading 9028 covers gas, liquid and electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters. Positive-displacement oil delivery meters within this heading use liquid-meter code 9028 20 00 00; relevant separately imported parts and accessories use 9028 90 90 00. The table repeats the liquid-meter line for different oil-meter configurations.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. This tariff position does not establish that a meter is suitable for trade use.

Confirm the commodity code from the actual meter, its function and whether the shipment contains a complete meter or separate parts. For another liquid-meter family within the wider heading, see volumetric piston water meters.

Specify the oil and the complete dispensing arrangement

State whether the meter records internal consumption or measures deliveries charged to customers. Specify the oil, its viscosity across operating temperatures, flow range, working pressure, connection threads, flow direction and wetted materials. Agree whether the display shows delivered volume or a temperature-compensated quantity, and whether the register is mechanical or electronic.

For trade use, ask a metrology adviser to check the regulatory scope against the delivery quantity, oil type and dispensing arrangement. Where the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 apply, confirm the applicable conformity assessment requirements with the relevant authority. The additional metrology marking remains required with either UKCA or CE marking. Match the evidence to the proposed assembly through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative batch of positive-displacement oil delivery meters under 9028 20 00 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

Identity and evidence: match the meter, register, serial identification and applicable markings to the ordered configuration and supplied conformity evidence.

Delivery accuracy: compare repeated deliveries against a calibrated reference using the intended oil at low and normal flow, including start and stop operation. Record oil temperature and the test arrangement.

Oil circuit: check seals, wetted materials, connection threads and flow direction against the specification. Check for leakage, trapped air and debris during the agreed functional test.

Register and packing: test reset operation, totaliser retention and any pulse output against the displayed delivery. Check connection protection and transit damage during inspection.

What goes wrong

A water-based calibration report may leave performance with the intended oil unresolved. Watch for inconsistent small deliveries, sticking mechanisms, seal swelling, leakage and disagreement between pulse output and the display. Compare failures with the agreed oil, temperature and installation conditions before accepting the batch.

Treat a changed meter, register or calibration setting as a reason to review the assembled system's evidence before returning it to trade use. Official guidance says equipment that has been disqualified, or could be disqualified, must undergo requalification before trade use resumes. Agree the review and testing route with the installer before substituting parts.

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.