Sourcing washer outer tubs from China
Replacement washing-machine outer tubs from China carry 2% UK duty under the supplied parts line, with no rate variation or listed trade remedies. Importers of consumer products are responsible for their safety. Match the tub to the exact machine revision. Cambridge China Bridge sources replacement washing-machine outer tubs.
Duty on replacement outer tubs
Heading 8450 covers household or laundry-type washing machines, including machines that both wash and dry, and their parts. Replacement outer tubs hold the wash water around the rotating drum. The table shows purchasing variants under the same supplied parts code, 8450 90 00 00. See the washing-machine drum guide for related assemblies within the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the parts line carries 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Importers of consumer products are responsible for their safety; the tariff findings do not establish product safety.
Give your customs broker drawings, photographs, the intended washing-machine models and a list of included components to confirm the commodity code. Describe whether the shipment contains a complete outer tub, a tub section or an assembly with bearings and seals.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement washing-machine outer tub assemblies | 8450 90 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the outer tub and machine revision
Specify the machine model, production revision and replacement part reference. Agree the tub material, joint construction, bearing-seat dimensions, shaft-seal arrangement and included fittings. Drawings should locate suspension mounts, counterweight fixings, heater openings, hose outlets and pressure-sensing connections. State whether bearings, seals, fasteners and joint gaskets are included.
UK businesses importing or selling consumer products are responsible for their safety. Ask for fitting instructions and evidence from an installed sample covering water retention, drum clearance and loaded operation. Approve the sample in the intended machine before accepting a compatibility claim based only on appearance.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 replacement washing-machine outer tubs; illustrative FOB value and freight under 8450 90 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £1,320 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,320. Duty at 2% is £146.40. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,466.40, so it is £1,493.28. Import taxes total £1,639.68; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £146.40 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and fit: match part references and mould markings to the approved sample; measure mounting positions, bearing seats, seal grooves and hose connections.
Tub body and joints: check for cracks, distorted flanges, incomplete moulding and damaged welds; inspect gasket seating and fastener engagement.
Installed operation: have a competent tester check leakage during filling, washing and draining, then check drum clearance, bearing noise and vibration during loaded spin.
Packing and arrival: check that protruding outlets and mounting lugs are protected, seals remain clean and cartons identify the approved variant. Use the agreed inspection checklist.
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What goes wrong
An outer tub can resemble the original yet have a different bearing seat, heater opening or suspension mount. It may fit the cabinet but leave the drum rubbing or a hose under strain. Require a fitted sample and drawings for each approved revision, and agree how the factory will handle material or tooling changes.
Distorted joint faces and damaged seals can cause leakage after installation. Loose bearing fits can cause movement and noise; cracked outlets or mounting lugs can result from poor packing. Compare arrival damage with pre-shipment photographs and keep affected stock separate while the cause is investigated.
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 washing-machine outer tubs from China?
The supplied parts code, 8450 90 00 00, carries 2% duty from China. The tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
Will an outer tub fit every washing machine with the same model name?
Check the production revision and original part reference. Compare mounting points, bearing seats, heater openings and hose connections, then fit a sample in the intended machine.
Should I order the outer tub with bearings and seals?
Agree the assembly contents with your repair team. Specify bearing and seal references, whether they arrive fitted, and whether joint gaskets and fasteners are included.
How do I check an outer tub before accepting the shipment?
Inspect the body, joints and connections, then test a fitted sample for leakage, drum clearance, bearing noise and vibration. Check packing protects outlets and mounting lugs.