Sourcing power triode vacuum tubes from China
Power triode vacuum tubes from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines, with no listed trade remedies. Business-to-business components are outside standalone RoHS scope, but the finished assembly must comply when placed on the market. Specify filament ratings, matching and packing. Cambridge China Bridge sources power triode vacuum tubes.
Duty on power triode vacuum tubes
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 8540 covers thermionic, cold cathode and photocathode valves and tubes. Power triodes used as amplifier valves are relevant to 8540 81 00 90. Other functions and separately imported parts need their own classification. See the vacuum tubes and magnetrons guide for the wider heading.
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty from China throughout this heading, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. The amplifier rows share a commodity line because matching does not create a separate line in the supplied record. Import VAT is normally 20%.
Confirm the commodity code using the manufacturer's datasheet, intended function and whether the shipment contains complete tubes or parts. Keep the declared description consistent with the order and test records.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power triodes for amplifiers | 8540 81 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other valves and tubes, subject to confirmation of function | 8540 89 00 99 | 0% | None |
| Parts of valves and tubes other than cathode-ray tubes | 8540 99 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the filament, base and operating conditions
State the exact tube type, acceptable equivalents, base drawing and pin connections. Specify filament voltage and current, anode voltage, anode dissipation, mounting and cooling. Agree the operating conditions for acceptance tests, rather than accepting a claim that a tube is an equivalent because its base fits.
For matched tubes, agree the matching method, test conditions and permitted spread. Ask for results identifying each tube, including anode current and transconductance, plus noise and microphonics where relevant. Set the burn-in procedure and acceptance criteria in the purchase specification.
OPSS guidance distinguishes components supplied between businesses from spare parts: business-to-business components are outside standalone RoHS scope, but a finished assembly placed on the market must comply. Electrical equipment, including spare parts, is otherwise in scope unless specifically excluded. Establish how the tubes will be supplied and used, then request material evidence and details of any exemption relied on. Our testing and certification service can help review the evidence.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of power triodes for a small amplifier maker under 8540 81 00 90, 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: check tube markings, batch references, base dimensions and pin connections against the approved sample and order.
Electrical performance: compare emission, anode current and transconductance results under the agreed conditions; check matching records and investigate noise or microphonics.
Envelope and connections: inspect glass or ceramic envelopes, seals and pins for cracks, looseness and damage; compare getter appearance with the approved sample where applicable.
Packing: check individual cushioning, separation between tubes and protection for protruding pins or terminals. Use the quality inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A claimed equivalent can fit the socket while needing different filament conditions or cooling. Matching data can become meaningless when the supplier changes the test conditions. Relabelled tubes, noisy samples and early filament failures are reasons to compare production tubes with an approved sample and retain traceable results.
Glass damage and bent connections can arise when tubes move inside their boxes. Agree the packing construction before shipment and record damage on arrival. Keep suspect tubes separate while the supplier investigates the affected batch.
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 power triode vacuum tubes from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty across the relevant lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the line from the tube's function and datasheet.
How should I specify matched power triodes?
Agree the test conditions, matching method and permitted spread. Require results identifying each tube, rather than accepting a matched label without supporting measurements.
What substance compliance evidence should I request?
Establish whether the tubes are business-to-business components or replacement parts. Request material evidence for the exact type and details of any exemption used for the intended equipment.
How should power triode tubes be packed?
Specify individual cushioning, separation between tubes and protection for pins or terminals. Check that each tube stays supported inside its box and inspect envelopes and connections on arrival.