Sourcing roundness testing machines from China
Roundness testing machines measuring geometrical quantities carry 0% UK duty from China; the relevant instrument and parts lines shown also carry 0%. Confirm applicable machinery, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and CE or UKCA marking requirements for powered machines with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources roundness testing machines.
UK duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9031 covers measuring or checking instruments and machines not specified elsewhere in the chapter. Contact roundness testers measuring geometrical quantities are candidates for 9031 80 20 00. The table includes alternative instrument categories and separately imported parts; these are classification possibilities, not interchangeable codes.
The selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. The tariff attaches fluorinated greenhouse gas import controls to 9031 80 80 00 and 9031 90 00 00. Confirm their application with your customs broker. If equipment contains fluorinated gases, check the applicable product bans: equipment containing banned gases must not be placed on the Great Britain market.
Confirm the commodity code using the measurement principle, functions and supplied components. A tester measuring roundness is not automatically a test bench. For related instruments within this heading, see surface roughness testers.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometrical measuring instruments, including contact roundness testers | 9031 80 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Other optical measuring instruments, where applicable | 9031 49 90 00 | 0% | None |
| Other checking instruments, subject to classification | 9031 80 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts and accessories for measuring or checking instruments | 9031 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the spindle, probe and analysis
Describe the workpieces, maximum diameter, height and mass, internal or external surfaces, and fixture access. Specify spindle accuracy, probe resolution and repeatability separately. Agree whether the machine needs only roundness measurement or also cylindricity, straightness and concentricity analysis.
Settle the reference-circle method, filtering, stylus geometry, probe force and centring procedure before comparing results. Ask for measurements on your own parts and a calibrated reference artefact, with the test conditions recorded. Include fixtures, spare styli, software licences, report exports and installation support in the order.
For powered machines, obtain machinery, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility evidence with CE or UKCA marking, as applicable. Ask for the declaration of conformity and calibration certificate described in the site's existing measuring-machine guide. Make the supplied configuration, including controller and probe, identifiable in the documents.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A bench-top roundness testing machine with probe and software, illustrative only under 9031 80 20 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
Measurement: repeat the agreed reference-artefact and workpiece tests after installation, using the same probe, filtering and reference-circle settings.
Mechanics: check spindle movement, centring and levelling adjustments, probe travel and fixture clearance for damage or binding.
Software: check licence activation, saved measurement settings, report exports and access to the supplied measurement data.
Documents and packing: match the machine identity to conformity and calibration documents; inspect transport restraints, shock indicators and probe protection. Use the inspection guide to agree acceptance checks.
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What goes wrong
A displayed roundness result can change when the operator changes the filter, reference-circle method or centring. Comparing factory and arrival reports without matching these settings can disguise a measurement problem or create a false rejection. Preserve the agreed settings and original measurement data.
Shipping damage, poor levelling, vibration and unsuitable room conditions can undermine repeatability. A machine may also arrive without the required fixture, usable software licence or replacement stylus. Agree the packing method and repeat the acceptance test after installation before final payment.
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 roundness testing machines from China?
Geometrical measuring instruments under 9031 80 20 00 carry 0% duty from China. The other selected instrument and parts lines also carry 0%, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Is a roundness tester classified as a test bench?
Do not classify it from the word “testing” alone. Check its measurement principle and functions. A contact instrument measuring geometrical quantities is a candidate for 9031 80 20 00.
What should I ask the factory to measure?
Ask for repeat measurements on a calibrated reference artefact and your own workpieces. Agree the probe, fixture, centring, filtering and reference-circle method, and retain the settings and measurement data.
Should I test the machine again after delivery?
Yes. Repeat the agreed acceptance checks after installation and levelling. Compare results under matching conditions, and check software activation, report exports and probe condition before final payment.