Sourcing progressive cavity pumps from China
Progressive cavity pumps and relevant pump parts from China carry 0% UK duty on the selected tariff lines. Complete powered pumps supplied in Great Britain need CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Match the stator to the liquid and verify performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources progressive cavity pumps.
Zero duty on the relevant pump lines
Heading 8413 covers pumps for liquids and liquid elevators. Progressive cavity pumps use a rotor and stator to move liquid through progressing cavities. The starting point for classification is 8413 60 80 90, other rotary positive displacement pumps. The table repeats that line for different pump configurations; these are not separate tariff categories. Separately supplied pump parts need their own classification check.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, the selected rotary pump and other pump-parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control on these lines. Zero customs duty does not remove import VAT; see import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the pumping principle, supplied configuration and component descriptions. Do not select a centrifugal or reciprocating pump code simply because the liquid or application sounds similar. For the wider heading, see water pumps and circulators.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive cavity pumps for sludge transfer | 8413 60 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Other pump parts, subject to checking the supplied component | 8413 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the liquid, stator and drive
Give the factory the liquid composition, viscosity at operating temperature, solids content, particle characteristics, required flow and discharge pressure. Specify rotor material and coating, stator elastomer, seal arrangement, connection dimensions, drive speed and available electrical supply. Ask for performance data using a representative liquid rather than accepting a water test as proof of viscous-liquid performance.
Agree dry-running protection, blocked-discharge protection, coupling guards and access for replacing the stator. Include compatible spare stators, rotors and seals in the specification, with drawings identifying the interfaces. For complete powered pumps supplied in Great Britain, machinery rules require CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and instructions in English.
If the supplied assembly legally qualifies as partly completed machinery, assembly instructions and a declaration of incorporation must accompany it. Agree the supplied assembly and documentation before ordering; an absent motor alone should not decide the paperwork.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 40 progressive cavity pumps for a small equipment distributor, illustrative only under 8413 60 80 90, invoiced at £90,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £93,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £93,000, so it is £18,600. 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
Performance: record flow, discharge pressure, speed and motor current at the agreed duty point, using the agreed test liquid and test conditions. Compare the results with the purchase specification.
Rotor and stator: compare materials, coating, dimensions and elastomer identification with the approved specification. Check rotor finish and inspect the stator for damage or poor bonding.
Seals and protection: check leakage during a wet run, coupling alignment, guards, rotation direction and the agreed protective functions. Follow the supplier's procedure rather than running the pump dry.
Documents and arrival condition: match the delivered model to the declaration, instructions and nameplate. On arrival, inspect the crate, connections and shaft for transit damage and confirm that spares fit. Agree the records required at quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A pump can pass a water test yet miss the required flow with viscous material. An unsuitable elastomer can swell or harden in the process liquid. Dry running can damage the stator, while abrasive solids can wear the rotor and reduce delivery. Resolve these risks through material selection and an agreed representative test.
Replacement stators may look similar but fail to fit the rotor or housing. Keep approved drawings and part references with the order. A marking on the motor does not establish the conformity of the complete pump assembly; check the supplied assembly against its documents before accepting it.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on progressive cavity pumps from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% on 8413 60 80 90 and other pump parts under 8413 91 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the classification of the actual goods.
Can I use a water test to approve a sludge pump?
Agree a test liquid and conditions that represent your sludge. A water test alone does not establish performance with viscous material or solids.
What documents should a complete pump have?
For a complete powered pump supplied in Great Britain, check CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions for the supplied assembly.
Which spare parts should I specify?
Ask for compatible stators, rotors and seals, supported by drawings and part references. Confirm the elastomer suits your liquid and that replacement parts fit the delivered pump.