Sourcing rotary gas meters from China

Zero duty on rotary gas meters

Heading 9028 covers gas, liquid and electricity supply or production meters and their parts. Rotary gas meters fall within the gas-meter line, 9028 10 00 00. Dedicated gas-meter parts may fall within 9028 90 90 00. The table separates product variants sharing these codes.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.

Confirm the commodity code for the complete meter and each separately supplied component. Do not assume that a standalone converter or sensor shares the meter's classification. For the wider gas-meter context, see diaphragm gas meters.

Specify flow, pressure and installation

Specify the gas composition, working pressure, temperature range, minimum and maximum flow, permitted pressure loss, connection dimensions and installation orientation. Agree whether the register shows measured volume or works with a separate volume converter. For pulse-output models, specify the pulse value and compatibility with the receiving equipment.

For uses covered by the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016, settle conformity assessment and the applicable conformity and metrology markings before ordering. Metrology marking remains required alongside CE or UKCA. Match the assessment evidence to the exact meter model, accuracy class and configuration. Arrange testing and certification checks before approving production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: A small batch of rotary gas meters, illustrative only under 9028 10 00 00, 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 model, serial number, accuracy class, applicable markings and assessment documents. Check that the supplied register and pulse-output configuration match the approved sample.

Accuracy: obtain results from a calibrated test bench across the agreed flow range, including low flow. Record the test conditions and match each result to the meter's serial number.

Mechanical condition: check flange faces, connection dimensions, rotor movement, lubrication instructions, seals and agreed leak-test results. Look for impact damage or contamination inside the connections.

Packing and arrival: check protected openings, secure supports and dry packaging. At inspection, compare register readings and pulse output with the agreed specification.

What goes wrong

A meter can match the pipe connection yet be unsuitable for the actual flow range or pressure. Check for low-flow error, excessive pressure loss, sticking rotors and a pulse value that gives incorrect readings in the receiving system. An accuracy report for another model does not establish the performance of the ordered meter.

Transport damage and debris can obstruct rotor movement. Agree protective packing and arrival checks before dispatch. Keep suspect meters separate until the supplier has explained the damage or test discrepancy and you have checked the proposed remedy.

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.