Sourcing replacement earmoulds from China
Replacement hearing aid earmoulds entered as hearing aid parts and accessories carry 0% UK duty from China. For Great Britain, establish whether the custom-made device route applies and confirm medical device registration before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources replacement hearing aid earmoulds.
Duty on replacement hearing aid earmoulds
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, heading 9021 includes hearing aids and their parts and accessories. Replacement earmoulds intended for hearing aids are candidates for 9021 90 10 00, the parts and accessories line. The table shows product variants sharing that line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty for goods from China under this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. Complete hearing aids have a separate line; see the wider hearing aid guide.
Confirm the commodity code using the earmould's intended use, material and connection to the hearing aid. Describe it as a replacement hearing aid earmould on the supplier documents, rather than simply an earplug.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement silicone hearing aid earmoulds | 9021 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
Ear impressions, material and device status
Specify the patient reference, left or right ear, impression or scan revision, shell style, material, hardness, colour, sound bore, vent and tubing connection. Agree whether tubing is fitted or supplied separately. Approve the cleaning instructions and request skin-contact evidence for the actual material, pigments and coatings.
For the custom-made route in Great Britain, official guidance allows a written prescription to take the form of a qualified person's letter or a moulded impression accompanied by the specified order. Adapted mass-produced devices are not considered custom-made. Confirm the route with the manufacturer and prescribing professional.
Custom-made devices do not need UKCA marking when first placed on the market or put into service, but still need to meet the applicable medical device provisions. Medical devices must be registered before placement on the Great Britain market. A manufacturer outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of individually specified replacement hearing aid earmoulds under 9021 90 10 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,400, so it is £680. 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: match each earmould and individual pack to the order reference, ear side and approved impression or scan revision.
Surface and material: check for sharp edges, cracks, voids, tackiness and contamination; compare the material and finish with the approved sample.
Acoustic connection: check that the sound bore and vent are clear, tubing is secure, and the connector matches the specified hearing aid arrangement.
Fit and records: arrange fitting acceptance with the prescribing professional, retain remake records, and use quality inspection to check production workmanship.
What goes wrong
Mixed patient references or ear sides make an otherwise well-finished mould unusable. An outdated impression, changed vent or loose tube can undermine fit and sound delivery. Rough surfaces and unapproved material substitutions can cause discomfort. Keep each order linked to its approved design and record the reason for any remake.
Treating every individually adjusted product as custom-made can lead to the wrong compliance route. Settle device status and registration before accepting supplier paperwork, and separate factory workmanship acceptance from the patient's fitting assessment.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on replacement hearing aid earmoulds from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty under 9021 90 10 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Confirm that the earmould belongs in the hearing aid parts and accessories line.
Does a custom-made hearing aid earmould need UKCA marking?
Custom-made devices do not need UKCA marking when first placed on the market or put into service. They must still meet the applicable medical device provisions.
Do imported earmoulds need medical device registration?
Medical devices, including custom-made devices, must be registered before placement on the Great Britain market. A manufacturer outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person.
What should I send the earmould factory?
Send the approved impression or scan, order reference, ear side, material, shell style, vent, sound bore and tubing details. Agree how fitting problems and remakes will be recorded.