Sourcing radios and DAB receivers from China
Radio receivers from China, including portable and pocket radios, DAB and FM radios, clock radios, radio-CD combinations and other receivers, pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Broadcast receivers are radio equipment under the 2017 regulations, mains models need electrical safety evidence, internet radios fall under PSTI, and all bring WEEE. Cambridge China Bridge sources radios.
Portable radios, DAB and internet radios, clock radios and radio-cassette players pay 0% UK duty from China. Radio equipment, safety and WEEE explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, pocket radio cassette players, other battery radios combined with sound recording or reproducing apparatus, other portable receivers, car radios, mains radios combined with recording apparatus or a clock, and other radio receivers of heading 8527 carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Smart speakers without a broadcast tuner are classified elsewhere; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket-size radio cassette players | 8527 12 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Portable radios combined with sound reproduction | 8527 13 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other portable radios | 8527 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Car radios with RDS | 8527 21 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Mains radios combined with sound reproduction | 8527 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Clock radios | 8527 92 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other radio receivers | 8527 99 00 00 | 0% | None |
Radio equipment and safety
Broadcast receivers are radio equipment under the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017, which need UKCA or CE marking and evidence on safety, EMC and effective use of spectrum. Mains-powered radios fall within the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Internet and app-connected radios are connectable products under PSTI.
Batteries and WEEE
Portable radios bring battery obligations, and all radios carry WEEE duties. Rechargeable models need safe lithium cells and shipping documents for air freight.
Reception and inspection
Test DAB and FM reception on samples in the UK, not only in China, and check station presets and menus in English. At inspection, check plugs, battery covers, displays and sound.
Cambridge China Bridge sources DAB, portable and clock radios, with radio compliance and UK reception testing settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on DAB radios from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, radio receivers of heading 8527 carried 0% duty from China.
Are radios covered by the Radio Equipment Regulations?
Yes. Broadcast receivers are radio equipment under the 2017 regulations.
Do internet radios fall under PSTI?
Yes when they connect to the internet or an app, as connectable products.
Why test reception in the UK?
DAB multiplexes and signal conditions differ, so samples should be tested on UK broadcasts.