Sourcing replacement forklift forks from China
Replacement forklift forks from China normally fall under 8431 20 00 80 and pay 4% UK duty, rather than the 0% shown on some other machinery parts. Suppliers must supply safe work equipment. Specify the mounting, capacity at the stated load centre and matching fork geometry. Cambridge China Bridge sources replacement forklift forks.
Replacement forks: 4% UK duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 8431 covers parts suitable solely or principally for specified lifting and earthmoving machinery. Replacement forklift forks normally fit the other parts line for machinery of heading 8427, code 8431 20 00 80. The table shows fork variants sharing that line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no attached import controls on this line. Its 0.00 % authorised-use suspension is restricted to a specified drive axle assembly for vehicle manufacture. It does not describe replacement forks, so budget for the ordinary duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the fork drawing, mounting arrangement and intended truck. Keep replacement forks separate from complete trucks and lifting attachments in the specification. For complete machines, see electric forklifts.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook-mounted replacement forklift forks | 8431 20 00 80 | 4% | None |
Specify the mounting and capacity together
Send the truck model and carriage drawing. For hook-mounted forks, specify hook geometry, carriage engagement and positioning locks. For shaft-mounted forks, specify shaft diameter, bore dimensions and retention. State blade length, width and thickness, shank height, heel geometry and the agreed dimensional tolerances.
State capacity at the intended load centre and clarify whether the factory's rating applies to an individual fork or a matched pair. Ask for steel identification, heat-treatment records and test results tied to the supplied batch and design. Suppliers must supply safe work equipment; make this evidence part of your purchasing checks.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Matched replacement fork pairs for a maintenance stock order, illustrative under 8431 20 00 80, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,400. Duty at 4% is £176. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,576, so it is £915.20. Import taxes total £1,091.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £176 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: compare mounting dimensions with the approved drawing and trial-fit the hooks or shaft connection; check locks and retention engage.
Geometry: compare the paired forks for blade level, straightness, twist and heel shape; record dimensions against the agreed tolerances.
Material and testing: match steel and heat-treatment records to batch identification, and check that test reports cover the ordered design and rating.
Arrival: inspect heels, mounting hooks and tips for cracks, bends, corrosion and transport damage. Use the inspection guide to record findings before fitting.
What goes wrong
A matching blade length can hide incompatible hooks, the wrong shaft bore or a lock that does not engage. A capacity claim without its load centre or rating basis leaves the buyer unable to compare designs. Unmatched blade levels, distorted heels and records for a different batch are reasons to hold the shipment for investigation.
Ask the truck supplier to review any change in fork geometry or rating before fitting. Routine preventive inspections or scheduled servicing are not a thorough examination. Keep the arrival inspection record and factory test evidence available for the person assessing the fitted truck.
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 replacement forklift forks from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% under 8431 20 00 80, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Its drive axle suspension does not cover replacement forks.
What measurements should I send the fork factory?
Send the carriage or shaft drawing, mounting dimensions, blade dimensions, shank height, heel geometry and locking details, together with capacity at the intended load centre.
Can I choose replacement forks by truck capacity alone?
Capacity alone does not describe the mounting or fork geometry. Ask whether the fork rating is for an individual fork or a pair, and at which load centre.
What should I check when replacement forks arrive?
Check mounting fit, locks, paired blade level, straightness, heels and tips. Match identification to material and test records. Routine inspections or servicing are not a thorough examination.