Sourcing replacement lampholders from China
Replacement lampholders from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant Edison and other lampholder lines. Mains-voltage products must meet the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 where in scope. Match the lamp cap, mounting and heat rating to the fitting. Cambridge China Bridge sources replacement lampholders.
Replacement lampholder duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 7 October 2026, replacement lampholders under heading 8536 carried 0% duty from China. Edison screw holders are listed under 8536 61 10 90; other holders under 8536 61 90 90. Neither line shows anti-dumping or countervailing duty, or a tariff suspension. The table separates buyer specifications that share these codes.
Both lampholder lines carry an export control of mercury in the supplied tariff data. The UK Trade Tariff attaches this export control; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to your transaction. It is labelled as an export control rather than an import control.
Confirm the commodity code using the holder's construction, function and datasheet. This guide covers replacement holders, rather than complete light fittings. For other apparatus within the heading, see circuit breakers, switches and connectors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edison screw replacement lampholders, ceramic body | 8536 61 10 90 | 0% | None |
| Bayonet replacement lampholders | 8536 61 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the lamp interface and heat exposure
Supply a drawing and a sample of the fitting. Specify the lamp-cap interface, mounting thread or fixing holes, shade-ring arrangement, overall dimensions, body material and terminal style. State the intended voltage, current, lamp type and operating temperature. Agree conductor compatibility and whether an earth connection is needed for the intended construction.
For mains-voltage holders, confirm with the relevant product safety authority whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 apply and what technical documentation, declaration of conformity, CE or UKCA marking and importer identification are needed. A separately sold component can constitute a fully manufactured product in its own right. Assess the actual holder rather than assuming that calling it a spare removes compliance duties.
Check the hazardous-substance rules against the supply route. Official guidance includes electrical equipment's spare parts unless specifically excluded; confirm with the relevant product safety authority how the rules apply to components supplied business to business for incorporation into a final assembly. Ask for material evidence for the insulating body, contacts and plating. Arrange testing and certification checks around the exact construction.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5,000 ceramic Edison screw replacement lampholders under 8536 61 10 90, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,600, so it is £2,520. 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: try the agreed lamp cap and mounting hardware; check engagement, alignment and shade-ring fit against the approved sample.
Terminals: check conductor insertion, screw operation, contact retention and any earth connection against the drawing.
Insulation: inspect ceramic for cracks and plastic for distortion; compare heat and electrical test records with the ordered material and rating.
Identity: match holder markings, packaging, batch identification and conformity documents to the delivered model. Use the same checks on arrival as before dispatch; see quality inspection.
What goes wrong
A holder can resemble the original yet have a different mounting thread, contact depth or shade-ring fit. Weak contact pressure, loose terminals and cracked ceramic are reasons to segregate a batch for investigation. Changing the insulating material can also undermine the heat performance established for the sample.
Do not accept a test report for a visually similar holder without checking its model, material and terminal arrangement. Keep the approved sample and drawing with the inspection records, and agree that material or tooling changes need your approval before production.
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 lampholders from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% for 8536 61 10 90 and 8536 61 90 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension.
Which code covers Edison screw replacement lampholders?
The supplied tariff lists Edison lampholders under 8536 61 10 90. Other lampholders are listed under 8536 61 90 90. Confirm the construction and function before declaring.
Do replacement lampholders need CE or UKCA marking?
For mains-voltage holders, confirm with the relevant product safety authority whether the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 apply and whether CE or UKCA marking and conformity documentation are needed. Assess the holder's scope and how it is supplied.
What should I send a Chinese lampholder factory?
Send a drawing, an approved sample, the lamp-cap interface, mounting details, body material, terminal arrangement and intended electrical and temperature ratings.