Sourcing refuse truck bodies from China
Refuse collection truck bodies classified under heading 8707 carry 4% UK duty from China throughout the supplied tariff lines. The completed vehicle needs approval before registration, unless exempt. Agree chassis fit and powered-equipment documentation before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources refuse collection truck bodies.
UK duty on refuse collection truck bodies
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8707 covers vehicle bodies, including cabs. For a refuse collection body supplied separately from its chassis, confirm whether the shipment is a vehicle body, machinery or separately supplied components. The table shows loading configurations against the same provisional body code; these are product variants, rather than separate tariff lines.
All supplied lines carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension recorded. The tariff also lists a cultural-object export licence control. Official guidance says importing cultural objects into Great Britain has no licensing requirement. Ask your customs broker to confirm how the listed export control applies to your shipment.
Send the broker drawings, photographs, the packing list and details of the compactor and bin lift to confirm the commodity code. Do not assume the industrial-assembly line applies to an ordinary bodybuilding order. See the wider truck bodies and cabs guide for the heading's broader scope.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-loading refuse truck bodies, subject to classification | 8707 90 90 00 | 4% | None |
Specify chassis fit, loading and compaction
Provide the chassis manufacturer's mounting drawing and body installation instructions. Agree wheelbase, mounting positions, subframe construction, body mass and axle-load calculations. Specify rear, side or front loading, the bins to be handled, hopper geometry, compactor arrangement, discharge method and tailgate sealing. State whether the bin lift, hydraulic pack, controls and mounting kit are included.
Confirm with the relevant vehicle approval authority whether the completed vehicle needs approval before registration or qualifies for an exemption. Agree the approval route and document responsibilities with the bodybuilder and chassis supplier. For powered equipment, ask a compliance adviser to assess the supplied configuration. For machinery within scope, the responsible person must compile a technical file and make it available on request. Arrange testing and certification support before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 4 refuse collection truck bodies for a fleet; order and values are illustrative under 8707 90 90 00, invoiced at £150,000 free on board, with £20,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £170,000. Duty at 4% is £6,800. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £176,800, so it is £35,360. Import taxes total £42,160; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £6,800 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: measure subframe mounting points and clearances against the approved chassis drawing; compare body mass with the agreed specification.
Structure and sealing: inspect hopper and floor welds, tailgate hinges, locks, seals and drainage; check for distortion, corrosion and leakage.
Powered functions: have trained personnel demonstrate the agreed lifting, compacting and discharge sequence, emergency stops and interlocks; inspect hoses for rubbing and hydraulic leaks.
Documents and arrival: match body identification to drawings and supplied documents; check instructions, component lists and packing condition, then repeat fit and function checks after installation.
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What goes wrong
A body can match the quoted capacity yet miss the chassis mounting points or leave insufficient clearance around the bin lift. Poor hose routing causes rubbing, tailgate distortion prevents sealing, and unsuitable bin interfaces make collection awkward. Record drawing revisions and witness a demonstration using the buyer's intended bin types.
Unclear scope leaves the buyer sourcing missing hydraulic components or commissioning controls after delivery. A demonstration of the compactor also leaves the completed vehicle's approval documents unresolved. Agree an acceptance checklist covering the supplied body, powered equipment and finished installation, and retain photographs and test records.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on refuse truck bodies from China?
The supplied heading 8707 lines carry 4% duty from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. Confirm classification for the body and equipment actually shipped.
Does an imported refuse truck body need vehicle approval?
Agree the route and responsibilities with the chassis supplier and bodybuilder before ordering.
What should I send a Chinese refuse body factory?
Send chassis mounting drawings, bin details, loading and discharge requirements, hydraulic interfaces and an inclusion list. Ask for body mass and axle-load calculations for your intended installation.
How do I inspect a refuse collection body before shipping?
Check mounting dimensions, welds, tailgate sealing and hose routing. Witness the agreed operating sequence and safety-control checks, and match the supplied documents to the actual configuration.