Sourcing power MOSFETs from China
Power MOSFETs from China carry 0% UK duty under the listed transistor codes. Components sold business-to-business are outside the GB hazardous-substance rules, but a final assembly incorporating them must comply when in scope. Specify electrical test conditions and batch traceability. Cambridge China Bridge sources power MOSFETs.
0% duty on power MOSFETs
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, the transistor lines within heading 8541 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
For non-photosensitive transistors, 8541 21 00 00 covers dissipation below 1 W; 8541 29 00 00 covers the other category. The table separates channel types within those shared codes. Confirm the commodity code against the manufacturer's datasheet. For related semiconductor sourcing, see integrated circuits and chips.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| N-channel power MOSFETs, dissipation not less than 1 W | 8541 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| N-channel MOSFETs, dissipation less than 1 W | 8541 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the MOSFET and its test conditions
Name the manufacturer and complete part number, channel type, semiconductor material, package, pin arrangement and mounting method. Specify drain-source voltage, gate-source limits, on-resistance at the intended gate drive and temperature, gate charge, leakage and thermal resistance. Check the current rating against your actual cooling arrangement rather than comparing headline ratings alone.
For Great Britain, official guidance says component parts sold business-to-business are outside the hazardous-substance regulations, while a final assembly incorporating them must comply when in scope. Ask for material declarations matched to the exact part and package, including lead finish and encapsulant. Agree the supporting documents with your equipment manufacturer before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 10,000 power MOSFETs, not a quotation under 8541 29 00 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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 package markings, reel labels, manufacturer part numbers and batch records; investigate inconsistent fonts, resurfaced packages or mixed date codes.
Electrical performance: sample on-resistance, gate threshold, leakage and breakdown behaviour using the datasheet conditions and an agreed test fixture.
Package condition: check dimensions, pin arrangement, lead coplanarity, solderability and damage against the approved sample and package drawing.
Packing and records: inspect static-protective packaging and any specified moisture protection; reconcile quantities and batch test records. Agree sampling through quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A substitute can share the package and voltage rating yet have higher on-resistance or gate charge, increasing heat or changing switching behaviour. Re-marked or recovered parts can pass a simple continuity check while failing under load. Require written approval for substitutions and retain samples from the shipment.
Gate damage, bent leads and moisture exposure can appear after assembly rather than at receiving inspection. Keep suspect batches separate, preserve packaging and labels, and compare electrical results with the approved sample before releasing stock to production.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on power MOSFETs from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% on 8541 21 00 00 and 8541 29 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Import VAT at 20% still applies.
Are loose power MOSFETs covered by hazardous-substance rules?
GB guidance excludes component parts sold business-to-business. A final assembly incorporating them must comply when in scope, so obtain part-specific material information.
Can I accept an equivalent MOSFET from another manufacturer?
Compare on-resistance at your gate drive, gate charge, thermal behaviour, package and pin arrangement. Test the proposed substitute in your circuit before approving it.
How do I check whether power MOSFETs are genuine?
Check the supply chain and batch records, compare markings and packaging with verified samples, and test electrical characteristics. Package markings alone do not establish authenticity.