Sourcing replacement drum paddles from China
Replacement washing machine drum paddles from China carry 2% UK duty under the washing-machine parts line, with no variation in the supplied duty data. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Check the exact drum fitting and secure retention. Cambridge China Bridge sources replacement washing machine drum paddles.
Duty and classification for replacement paddles
Heading 8450 covers household or laundry-type washing machines, including machines that both wash and dry, and their parts. Replacement drum paddles, also called drum lifters, are the focus here. The table shows purchasing variants of the same parts line, rather than separate tariff categories. See the wider washing-machine drum guide. For related drum parts, see our replacement drum spider sourcing guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the supplied washing-machine parts line, 8450 90 00 00, carries 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls.
Give your customs broker the paddle drawing, photographs, material specification and intended washing-machine models to confirm the commodity code. Describe the goods as replacement drum paddles rather than complete drums or general plastic mouldings.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement drum paddles with integral retaining clips | 8450 90 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the paddle and its drum attachment
Supply the machine model reference, original part reference and an approved sample. Agree overall shape, underside curvature, clip positions, locking direction, screw holes and water openings. Record compatible drum versions explicitly; a similar-looking paddle may have different attachment points.
Specify the polymer grade, any recycled content, surface finish and resistance to the intended detergent and wash conditions. Agree whether retaining inserts or screws are included, how the paddle is fitted and how each pack identifies its compatible models.
Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. For these paddles, assess sharp edges, broken clips and detachment during operation. Arrange sample fitting and loaded wash trials in the intended machine before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 replacement washing machine drum paddles under 8450 90 00 00, invoiced at £1,320 free on board, with £400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,720. Duty at 2% is £34.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,754.40, so it is £350.88. Import taxes total £385.28; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £34.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the part reference, compatibility list, fixing method and included fittings to the order. Keep different paddle versions separately labelled.
Fit and retention: fit samples to the intended drum, check that clips engage fully and verify that the paddle stays secured during the agreed wash and spin trials.
Moulding and fabric contact: inspect for cracks, distorted bases, weak clips, blocked openings and sharp moulding flash. Check fabric-contact surfaces for snagging.
Arrival and packing: check for crushed paddles, broken tabs and missing fittings. Match batch labels and quantities to the packing list using a product-specific inspection brief.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
The outer shape can match while the underside clips do not. A paddle may appear seated but remain loose because its locking tab, slide direction or base curvature differs from the original. Compare the underside as carefully as the visible face and approve fit on the intended drum.
Brittle clips can break during installation, while moulding flash can snag laundry. Material substitutions and rough finishing may escape a photograph-based check. Retain an approved sample, agree material-change approval and repeat fitting and wash trials when the material or tooling changes.
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 drum paddles from China?
The supplied washing-machine parts line, 8450 90 00 00, carries 2% duty. No anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls are listed.
How do I check whether a replacement paddle fits?
Match the machine and original part references, then compare underside curvature, clips, locking direction and fixing holes. Fit a sample to the intended drum before approving the batch.
What safety checks should I arrange before selling drum paddles?
Check retention, clip strength, sharp edges and fabric snagging on samples fitted to the intended machine.
Should retaining clips and screws come with the paddles?
Agree the complete fitting arrangement before ordering. Specify whether clips are integral, whether separate locking inserts or screws are included, and how the installer identifies the correct fixing method.