Sourcing Radar Speed Guns from China

Radar speed gun duty

Heading 8526 covers radar apparatus, radio navigational aids and radio remote controls. This guide focuses on radar speed guns. The table shows product variants sharing the radar apparatus line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, code 8526 10 00 90 carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for this line.

Confirm the commodity code using the measurement method and complete product specification. For other products within the heading, see GPS, radar and radio remote controls.

Specify the target and measurement mode

State whether the gun will measure balls, athletes or vehicles. Agree the speed units, measurement range, accuracy tolerance, target distance, aiming method and handling of approaching or departing targets. Specify live readings, peak-speed hold, trigger operation, display visibility, battery arrangement and any recording function. Ask the factory to demonstrate the intended target rather than a different application.

Radar speed guns generally fall under the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. Obtain the declaration of conformity and evidence covering radio performance, electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety. Check the exact model and firmware against the reports, plus UKCA or CE marking, importer identification and English instructions. Arrange testing and certification around the finished gun.

Radar speed guns supplied for police speed enforcement in Great Britain need type approval. Obtain evidence for the proposed model before accepting an enforcement claim. Define sports measurement and police enforcement as separate purchasing applications.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of handheld sports radar speed guns under 8526 10 00 90, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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

Identity: compare the delivered model, firmware, labels, instructions and accessories with the approved sample and compliance documents.

Measurement: compare readings with an independent reference using the intended target, agreed distances and aiming angles. Check repeatability and approaching or departing target selection.

Operation: test the trigger, live display, peak-speed hold, unit selection and recording functions. Check readability outdoors and whether nearby moving objects produce unwanted readings.

Condition: inspect the lens or antenna cover, battery compartment, connectors and mount. Check charging, battery indication and the agreed enclosure sealing performance.

What goes wrong

A gun demonstrated on a large vehicle may struggle to acquire a ball or an athlete. Poor aiming, unsuitable target selection and nearby movement can produce inconsistent readings. Put the target, test arrangement and acceptance method in the purchase specification so a successful factory demonstration can be repeated on arrival.

Reports may cover another model or firmware, while labels and instructions differ from the sample. A supplier's claim of police suitability can also lack evidence of type approval. Resolve document mismatches and enforcement claims before ordering; check that production changes have not altered the agreed performance.

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.