Sourcing PVC suction hose from China
PVC suction hose from China carries 6% UK duty across the relevant lines shown here. Choose the code by reinforcement and fittings, and check applicable UK REACH restrictions on the compound. Specify vacuum performance separately from pressure performance. Cambridge China Bridge sources PVC suction hose.
UK duty on PVC suction hose
Heading 3917 covers plastic tubes, pipes, hoses and their fittings. For PVC suction hose, establish whether the hose is reinforced, whether it incorporates other materials and whether fittings are attached. The table includes adjacent unreinforced hose lines and separately supplied plastic fittings for comparison; they are not interchangeable classifications.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, the selected lines carried 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. This describes the selected hose and fitting lines, rather than every product within the heading.
Give your customs broker the compound description, reinforcement details, performance data and photographs of the supplied assembly to confirm the commodity code. See the PVC pipes and building materials guide for the wider product group.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other reinforced plastic hose, including suitable PVC suction hose | 3917 39 00 99 | 6% | None |
| Other unreinforced plastic hose, without fittings | 3917 32 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Other unreinforced plastic hose, with fittings | 3917 33 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Other plastic hose fittings, supplied separately | 3917 40 00 99 | 6% | None |
Specify suction performance and reinforcement
Write the conveyed liquid, operating temperature, internal diameter, wall thickness, coil length and bend radius into the order. Identify the spiral material and any textile reinforcement. Agree vacuum performance and pressure performance separately, including the test temperature and hose arrangement. Keep an approved sample of the actual compound and construction.
Specify coupling dimensions, clamp arrangement and whether assemblies arrive fitted or as loose components. Ask for tests using the intended liquid and operating conditions. For food transfer or drinking-water use, obtain a separate assessment and supporting test evidence for that application before accepting the hose.
UK REACH restrictions can limit, ban or set conditions on substances, including substances in articles. Check the compound and its additives against applicable restrictions before selling in Great Britain. Ask the factory for material information and evidence tied to the supplied formulation.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative stock order of coiled PVC suction hose for a pump distributor under 3917 39 00 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure bore, wall thickness and coil length against the order; check coupling fit on the intended pump connection.
Reinforcement: inspect spiral spacing, exposed wire or sharp ends, uneven walls and separation between the spiral and hose body.
Performance: test sampled hose for collapse under the agreed vacuum, kinking at the agreed bend and leakage at assembled couplings.
Arrival: inspect flattened coils, cracks, damaged ends and blocked bores; reconcile coil labels, batch identity and quantities with the packing list.
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What goes wrong
A hose can hold positive pressure yet collapse under suction. A sample tested straight at room temperature may behave differently when bent or carrying warm liquid. Agree the test arrangement before ordering, and compare production samples with the retained approved sample.
Compound changes can alter flexibility and liquid compatibility. Poorly matched couplings can leak air into the suction line even when no liquid leak is visible. Inspect assembled connections and retain batch samples. Use the quality inspection guide to agree the inspection record.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on PVC suction hose from China?
The selected hose and plastic fitting lines carry 6% duty in the supplied tariff facts. No trade remedies, suspensions or attached import controls are listed for those lines.
Which commodity code covers spiral-reinforced PVC suction hose?
3917 39 00 99 is a candidate for other reinforced plastic hose. Have your broker confirm it against the reinforcement, materials, performance and supplied assembly.
How do I check whether suction hose will collapse?
Agree a vacuum test using the intended temperature, bend arrangement and connections. Test production samples against that specification rather than relying on a pressure test.
Can I use ordinary PVC suction hose for food transfer?
Do not accept a generic food-grade claim alone. Obtain an application-specific assessment and supporting evidence for the actual compound, liquid, contact conditions and hose assembly.