Sector guides

Sourcing Pt100 temperature probes from China

Pt100 temperature probes and relevant instrument parts within heading 9025 carry 0% UK duty from China, with no trade remedies shown. Confirm the classification of the complete assembly and assess electrical compliance for the actual design before selling it. Cambridge China Bridge sources Pt100 temperature probes.

Written by Bono Xu, Founder, Cambridge China Bridge · 4 min read · Updated 2026-10-17

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Duty and classification for Pt100 probes

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, heading 9025 covers thermometers and other temperature and atmospheric measuring instruments. The supplied lines for other thermometers and pyrometers and for parts carry 0% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached controls.

The table repeats the thermometer line for different probe constructions; these are candidate classifications, not separate tariff subdivisions. A sensing element, complete measuring probe and probe supplied with a transmitter need their own classification assessment. Confirm the commodity code using the assembly drawing, operating description and intended use.

For the wider heading, see thermometers and hygrometers. The illustrative order values are not supplier quotations. Budget separately for import VAT and other landing costs using UK import duty and VAT.

UK duty on these lines for goods of Chinese origin (one code per row), read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026.
GoodsCommodity codeDutyAnti-dumping or countervailing duty on China
Cable-ended Pt100 temperature probes, subject to classification9025 19 00 900%None
Parts and accessories for temperature instruments9025 90 00 900%None

Specify the sensor, wiring and installation

Specify a platinum resistance probe, the controller it connects to, lead arrangement, terminal mapping and resistance characteristic. Agree the operating range, permitted measurement error and calibration points. State whether the order is a passive probe or includes a transmitter. Keep an approved sample and drawing against which production can be checked.

Define sheath material, diameter, insertion length, thread, cable insulation, connector and strain relief. Describe the process medium, cleaning method, vibration and exposure to moisture. Ask for calibration results tied to the supplied probe identity rather than a generic certificate.

For Great Britain sales, assess electrical rules against the actual assembly. Electromagnetic compatibility rules cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate disturbance, with exceptions. Where hazardous-substance rules apply, a declaration of conformity is required and the product or packaging must show the importer's name or trademark and a contactable address.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 1500 cable-ended Pt100 temperature probes under 9025 19 00 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,500, so it is £5,100. 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

Wiring: check continuity, terminal mapping and compatibility with the buyer's controller; compare the delivered cable and connector with the approved sample.

Accuracy: compare readings with a calibrated reference across the agreed operating range; record probe identity, test conditions and deviations.

Construction: measure insertion length and mounting dimensions; inspect sheath finish, threads, cable entry and strain relief; test sealing against the agreed claim.

Records: match calibration results, drawings and batch identification to the shipment; where hazardous-substance rules apply, check the declaration and importer identification.

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What goes wrong

A probe can look correct but give the wrong reading because its lead arrangement or terminal mapping does not match the controller. Cable resistance, poor connections and inadequate insertion can also affect readings. Test the approved sample with the intended controller before accepting the production specification.

Moisture at the cable entry, damaged insulation and weak strain relief can cause intermittent faults after installation. A generic calibration sheet does not establish the performance of the delivered probes. Agree the acceptance checks before ordering and use quality inspection to check production against them.

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 Pt100 probes from China?

The supplied heading 9025 thermometer and parts lines carry 0% duty from China, with no trade remedies shown. Confirm which line describes your complete assembly.

Which commodity code should I use for a Pt100 probe?

9025 19 00 90 is a candidate for a measuring probe; 9025 90 00 90 covers instrument parts. Ask your customs broker to assess the actual assembly rather than relying on the product name.

What should I specify when ordering Pt100 probes?

Agree the controller, lead arrangement, terminal mapping, operating range, permitted error, sheath dimensions, mounting thread, cable and sealing claim.

How do I check Pt100 probe accuracy?

Compare each sampled probe with a calibrated reference at agreed points across its operating range. Use the intended controller and retain results linked to probe identity.

Sources

  1. UK Trade Tariff — commodity codes and duty
  2. Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations: Great Britain guidance
  3. Hazardous substances regulations: Great Britain guidance
  4. Restriction of hazardous substances: compliance guidance

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