Sourcing protractors from China

Protractor duty and classification

Heading 9017 covers drawing, marking-out and mathematical calculating instruments, including protractors, alongside hand instruments for measuring length. This guide covers manual protractors. See the stainless steel rulers guide for related goods within the wider heading.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, drawing instruments under 9017 20 10 00 and marking-out instruments under 9017 20 39 00 carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. The wider heading ranges from 0% for plotters to 2% for its other lines.

The table repeats the drawing-instruments line for different protractor materials; these are product variants, not separate tariff subdivisions. Confirm the function and whether the shipment contains complete instruments or separate parts using finding your commodity code.

Specify the scale, centre and moving arm

Specify transparent plastic or metal, overall dimensions, thickness, angular range, graduation spacing and the permitted reading error. Agree whether scales read in both directions, how the centre point is identified and how the baseline aligns with the work. Approve an actual printed sample rather than only artwork.

For adjustable protractors, specify arm straightness, pivot play, locking action and whether tightening must preserve the reading. Agree the surface finish, edge treatment and packaging that prevents scratching. Businesses importing or selling consumer products in the UK are responsible for their safety; include foreseeable handling risks in the product review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative mixed-carton order of transparent drawing protractors; FOB and freight values are illustrative under 9017 20 10 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £860 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,860. Duty at 2% is £77.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,937.20, so it is £787.44. Import taxes total £864.64; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £77.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Angular accuracy: compare readings across the scale with a calibrated angular reference, using the agreed tolerance. Check that the centre mark and baseline match the graduations.

Print and visibility: check opposing scales, numeral direction, line clarity and contrast. Rub the markings using the agreed method and inspect transparent bodies for haze and scratches.

Body and mechanism: check flatness, cracks and sharp edges. On adjustable models, check pivot movement, arm alignment and whether the reading changes when locked.

Packing and identity: compare the goods and carton contents with the approved sample and order description. Keep different scale layouts and materials identifiable during inspection.

What goes wrong

A clear-looking scale can still have a misplaced centre or baseline. Warped plastic prevents the protractor lying flat, scratches obscure the drawing beneath it, and weak printing wears away. Adjustable models can lose their reading through pivot play or movement during locking.

Define acceptance checks before production and repeat them on shipment samples and arrival stock. Keep approval samples with their specification so a changed mould or print layout can be spotted. Use quality inspection explained to agree the inspection scope.

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.