Sourcing respirator exhalation valves from China
Respirator exhalation valves classified as parts under 9020 00 90 99 carry 0% UK duty from China. Essential interchangeable protective components fall within PPE rules, so confirm the conformity route and compatibility with the intended mask before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources respirator exhalation valves.
0% duty on respirator valve parts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 3 October 2026, heading 9020 covers other breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters. Its parts and accessories line, 9020 00 90 99, is the relevant starting point for respirator exhalation valves. The table shows valve forms using that same supplied parts line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The supplied parts line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The tariff extract lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or import controls for that line. Product conformity remains a separate consideration from customs duty.
Give your customs broker the valve drawing, material specification, intended respirator model and whether the shipment contains loose components or complete replacement assemblies. Confirm the commodity code before ordering. For complete masks and other equipment, see respirators and breathing apparatus.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respirator exhalation valve diaphragms | 9020 00 90 99 | 0% | None |
Specify the diaphragm and its mating valve seat
Specify the compatible respirator make, model and replacement-part reference. Supply drawings for the diaphragm, locating stem, retaining feature and valve seat. Agree the elastomer material, hardness, thickness, sealing-edge profile and dimensional tolerances. State whether the order includes the diaphragm alone, the housing or an assembled replacement kit.
PPE rules include interchangeable components essential to the equipment's protective function. In Great Britain, products within scope require conformity assessment according to their risk category. Ask the supplier to explain the applicable route and provide evidence covering the exact valve and intended respirator combination. A certificate for a different mask is insufficient purchasing evidence.
Distinguish finished replacement valves from components imported for further manufacture. Official guidance says products imported for further manufacture or processing are not considered placed on the market; the manufacturer of the finished product remains responsible for compliance before sale. Agree the installation instructions, cleaning compatibility, storage conditions and packaging with the supplier.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 replacement exhalation valve assemblies under 9020 00 90 99, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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 the part reference, drawing revision, compatible mask and batch identification to the purchase order and supplier documents.
Diaphragm: inspect for tears, moulding flash, curled edges, contamination and deformation. Measure the agreed dimensions and compare material records with the approved sample.
Assembly: check stem retention, seating and free movement in the intended valve housing. Have samples checked for sealing and exhalation performance using the agreed test method and the respirator manufacturer's instructions.
Documents and packing: check the conformity evidence applicable to the supplied product, English instructions and batch separation. Check that packaging prevents diaphragms being crushed or contaminated. Use the quality inspection guide to plan checks before shipment and on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A diaphragm can resemble the original while differing in thickness, flexibility or stem geometry. Check for sticking, incomplete seating and distortion after assembly. HSE warns that badly perished and deformed exhalation valves cannot seal. Keep suspect batches separate while the supplier investigates.
Another purchasing failure is accepting a generic compatibility list or an unrelated respirator certificate. Ask for evidence tied to the exact replacement part and mask combination, and agree that material or tooling changes need your review before production. Our testing and certification service can help organise the evidence checks.
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 respirator exhalation valves from China?
The supplied tariff extract gives 0% duty under parts code 9020 00 90 99, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your valve belongs in this line.
Do replacement exhalation valves fall under PPE rules?
PPE rules include interchangeable components essential to protective function. Confirm the route for the exact replacement valve; do not assume that calling it a spare removes conformity obligations.
Will a valve that looks identical fit my respirator?
Appearance alone is insufficient. Match the part reference, diaphragm dimensions, material and retention geometry, then check samples in the intended respirator housing.
What should I check when exhalation valves arrive?
Check identity, batch records, diaphragm condition, retention and seating. Test samples against the agreed specification. Deformed or perished valves may fail to seal.