Sourcing printers and 3D printers from China
Printers, multifunction printers and 3D printers from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. A networked printer is a connectable product, and printers are not among the PSTI exceptions for computers, so the security requirements apply, as do radio and electrical safety rules. Consumables need their own care. Cambridge China Bridge sources printers and 3D printers.
Printers, multifunction machines and 3D printers pay 0% UK duty from China. Printers are not excepted from PSTI, and consumables need care.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, multifunction machines that print, copy or fax and connect to a computer or network, printers, other printing machines of the heading, and 3D printers that deposit plastics or rubber carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Ink and toner cartridges and 3D printing filament are separate products with their own codes; confirm the commodity code for each.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multifunction machines (print, copy, fax) connectable to a computer or network | 8443 31 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Printers connectable to a computer or network | 8443 32 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other printers and copiers of the heading | 8443 39 00 00 | 0% | None |
| 3D printers depositing plastics or rubber | 8485 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Product security, radio and safety
Schedule 3 of the PSTI security regulations excepts desktops, laptops and non-cellular tablets, but not printers. A printer or 3D printer that connects to a network or app is therefore a connectable product subject to the requirements on passwords, security reporting and a published update period; see the PSTI guide.
Wi-Fi models are radio equipment, and all models need electrical safety evidence and bring WEEE obligations. 3D printers also have heated beds and nozzles, so ask about thermal protection and enclosures.
Consumables and compatibility
Printer economics are in the consumables. For own-brand printers, agree who supplies cartridges and for how long. For compatible cartridges, check the design against the printer maker's patents and avoid its trademarks; the IP guide covers the risks.
For 3D printers, specify the build volume, nozzle, supported filaments and firmware, and ask who maintains the slicing software.
Testing and support
Run print tests on samples, check for paper jams, print quality and noise, and for 3D printers dimensional accuracy, at inspection. Spare parts and firmware support should be agreed for the life of the model.
Cambridge China Bridge sources printers, 3D printers and consumables, with PSTI, radio and safety evidence and firmware support settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on printers from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, printers, multifunction machines and 3D printers carried 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Do printers fall under the PSTI rules?
Yes when they connect to a network or app. Schedule 3 excepts desktops, laptops and non-cellular tablets, not printers.
Are compatible printer cartridges risky to import?
They can be. Check the design against the printer maker's patents and avoid its trademarks.
What should be tested on 3D printers?
Dimensional accuracy, supported filaments, thermal protection and firmware, with spare parts and software support agreed.