Sourcing lighter reservoirs from China

Duty on replacement gas lighter reservoirs

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 9613 covers lighters and their parts other than flints and wicks. Replacement reservoirs identified as lighter parts fall within 9613 90 00 00, carrying 0% duty from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for that parts line. The table shows purchasing variants using the same tariff line.

The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to complete refillable pocket lighters and other complete lighters, rather than the parts line shown here. For a shipment containing complete lighters, confirm the materials and requirements with your customs broker. CITES permits are required for species listed in Annex A, B or C; check this if an item incorporates protected animal or plant material.

Confirm the commodity code using drawings, the intended lighter model and whether valves or fuel are included. A replacement reservoir is different from a fuel refill can. For related parts within the wider heading, see replacement gas lighter valves.

Specify the reservoir and its mating parts

Specify the intended lighter model, reservoir material, external dimensions, wall construction, mounting features, refill opening, outlet connection and seal material. State whether the order includes a bare body or an assembly with valves and seals. Agree the fuel, working conditions and leak-test method with the supplier and testing laboratory. Approve a sample fitted into the actual lighter.

Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Ask for evidence covering the replacement reservoir in its intended assembly, including leakage and the effect on flame behaviour. Specify whether goods must arrive empty and unused. If fuel or residues are present, obtain a transport classification before booking; the sender is responsible for classifying, packaging and marking dangerous goods.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 2,500 empty replacement gas lighter reservoirs for a repair business, illustrative under 9613 90 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £590 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,590. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,590, so it is £918. 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

Fit: compare mounting features, valve positions and sealing faces with the approved drawing; assemble samples in the intended lighter without forcing or modifying them.

Body and joints: check for cracks, distorted mouldings, incomplete welds, damaged threads and contamination inside the reservoir.

Leakage and operation: have trained personnel test sampled assemblies using the agreed safe procedure, including refill and outlet seals and shut-off after operation.

Arrival and identification: check transit damage, model and batch identification, fitted seals and valves, and evidence of the agreed empty or filled condition. Keep suspect stock separate pending investigation.

What goes wrong

A reservoir can fit the outer casing yet leave its valve misaligned or its seal compressed incorrectly. Material substitutions, weak joints and damaged sealing faces can cause leakage after filling. A reservoir tested on its own may behave differently once fitted into the lighter.

An unexpected fuel charge or residue can change the transport assessment. Confirm shipment condition before dispatch and investigate discrepancies on arrival. Match production samples to the approved assembly and retain batch records; use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspection.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.