Sourcing rubber vibration mounts from China
Rubber anti-vibration mounts from China carry 2% UK duty across the relevant heading 4016 lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Classification depends on cellular construction, metal bonding and vehicle use; UK REACH applies to substances in articles. Cambridge China Bridge sources rubber anti-vibration mounts.
UK duty on rubber anti-vibration mounts
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, heading 4016 covers articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. Relevant mounts include rubber-to-metal bonded machinery and vehicle parts, cellular rubber blocks and other solid rubber articles. The table gives candidate lines, rather than a single code for every mount.
The selected lines carry 2% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no attached import controls on these lines. The suspension recorded under 4016 99 97 90 is restricted to disposable plastic or rubber boot covers and overshoes, so it does not provide duty relief for anti-vibration mounts.
Confirm the commodity code using a drawing, material description, bonding details and intended application. Distinguish machinery mounts from vehicle parts and cellular rubber from solid rubber. For related products within the wider heading, see our gaskets and mechanical seals guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber-to-metal bonded mounts, other than motor vehicle parts | 4016 99 91 90 | 2% | None |
| Rubber-to-metal bonded motor vehicle mounts, other | 4016 99 52 90 | 2% | None |
| Cellular vulcanised rubber isolation blocks, other | 4016 10 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Other solid vulcanised rubber isolation blocks | 4016 99 97 90 | 2% | None |
Specify load, deflection and bonded inserts
Specify the supported equipment, load per mount, compression or shear direction, operating vibration and permitted movement. Request load-deflection data for the proposed geometry and compound. Agree rubber hardness, service temperature, exposure to oil or weather, and limits for permanent deformation. Hardness alone does not establish isolation performance.
Draw the rubber body, mounting faces, thread form, pitch, engagement length and insert position. State the metal material, corrosion protection and bond test acceptance criteria. Approve samples in the intended assembly before production, including clearance when loaded.
UK REACH generally applies to substances in articles. Request compound information and agree chemical checks for the intended use. Where rubber parts have direct, prolonged or repeated skin or mouth contact, confirm with the relevant authority whether the UK REACH PAH restriction applies. For consumer articles, also confirm the applicable general product safety requirements with the relevant authority.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 3,000 rubber-to-metal bonded machinery mounts under 4016 99 91 90, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,500. Duty at 2% is £350. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,850, so it is £3,570. Import taxes total £3,920; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £350 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Fit: gauge threads, measure body dimensions and insert alignment, and trial-fit mounts against the approved drawing.
Rubber: compare hardness with the agreed range and inspect for cracks, voids, moulding flash and exposed inserts.
Bond: test sampled parts against the agreed bond criteria and look for separation around metal interfaces.
Performance: check load-deflection behaviour and residual deformation after the agreed loading test; compare with approved samples and batch records. Plan sampling with our quality inspection guide.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A mount can fit the bolt pattern yet transmit vibration because its stiffness does not suit the equipment load. Rubber that is too soft can bottom out; an unsuitable compound can swell in oil or crack outdoors. Weak bonding lets inserts separate, while crooked studs and damaged threads prevent assembly.
Tie approval to the compound, drawing and performance results together. Agree change approval for rubber formulation, inserts and bonding preparation. Check incoming batches before installation, and keep failed samples with their batch identification so the factory can investigate.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on rubber anti-vibration mounts from China?
The relevant heading 4016 lines in the supplied tariff records carry 2% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The boot-cover suspension does not cover mounts.
Which commodity code covers rubber-to-metal machinery mounts?
4016 99 91 90 is a candidate for non-vehicle rubber-to-metal bonded mounts. Vehicle use and cellular construction can change the line, so confirm against the drawing and application.
Is matching rubber hardness enough?
No. Compare load-deflection behaviour, geometry and loading direction as well as hardness. Trial samples on the intended equipment before approving production.
What should I check when mounts arrive?
Check threads, dimensions, insert alignment, rubber condition and bond strength. Sample load-deflection behaviour against the approved specification and retain batch identification.