Sourcing rubber cable grommets from China
Rubber cable grommets from China carry a standard UK duty of 2% across the relevant heading 4016 lines. Classification depends on material and function; check applicable UK REACH restrictions against the compound and intended use. Cambridge China Bridge sources rubber cable grommets.
Rubber cable grommet duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 October 2026, heading 4016 covers other articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber. General cable-protection grommets are candidates for 4016 99 97 90; sealing function, cellular material or motor-vehicle use can change the line. The table shows alternatives to investigate, rather than interchangeable codes.
The listed alternatives carry a standard 2% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures or attached import controls in the supplied tariff record. Some lines contain conditional suspensions, but their descriptions concern specified gaskets, vehicle parts or disposable boot covers, rather than ordinary cable grommets. Do not assume a suspension applies because the code matches.
Give your broker the drawing, rubber composition and intended function to confirm the commodity code. See the wider seals and end caps guide for neighbouring products.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| General rubber cable grommets, subject to classification | 4016 99 97 90 | 2% | None |
| Rubber sealing grommets, where classified as seals | 4016 93 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Rubber cable grommets for motor vehicles, subject to classification | 4016 99 57 90 | 2% | None |
| Cellular rubber cable grommets, subject to classification | 4016 10 00 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the panel groove and cable fit
Specify panel-hole diameter, panel thickness, groove width and diameter, cable bore, flange dimensions and tolerances. State whether the grommet is open, split or supplied with a pierceable membrane. Approve a sample fitted to the actual panel and cable, including insertion force and resistance to pulling out.
Agree the rubber compound, hardness, colour and exposure to heat, oil, weather and cleaning agents. Set practical tests for the intended environment. REACH restrictions can limit or ban substances or set conditions on their use and supply. For rubber parts in direct, prolonged or repeated skin or mouth contact, confirm applicable UK REACH PAH restrictions with HSE and request suitable chemical test evidence.
Consumer products must be safe in Great Britain under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Their scope includes products intended for, or foreseeably likely to be used by, consumers. Identify the intended market before agreeing the evidence package.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 3,000 rubber cable grommets under 4016 99 97 90, invoiced at £1,200 free on board, with £350 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £1,550. Duty at 2% is £31. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £1,581, so it is £316.20. Import taxes total £347.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £31 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure the bore, panel groove and flanges against the approved drawing; keep sizes separated during inspection.
Fit: install samples in the intended panel with the intended cable; check seating, cable clearance and retention.
Moulding: check for flash, cracks, voids and tears around the groove or membrane; inspect the surface touching the cable.
Material and packing: compare hardness and compound records with the specification, check relevant test reports, and inspect for distortion from packing. Use our inspection guide to organise acceptance checks.
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What goes wrong
A grommet can match the outer diameter but fail because its groove does not suit the panel thickness. A loose flange can leave the panel edge exposed; a tight bore can pinch the cable. Flash or tears around the groove can also prevent secure seating.
Compound substitution can cause swelling in oil, hardening in heat or cracking outdoors. Treat cable protection and environmental sealing as separate performance claims. Keep the approved fitted sample and agree the acceptance checks before production.
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 cable grommets from China?
The relevant heading 4016 lines carry a standard 2% duty in the supplied tariff record. Conditional suspensions describe other specified products; ordinary cable grommets should not be costed as duty-free.
Which commodity code covers rubber cable grommets?
4016 99 97 90 is a candidate for general grommets. Sealing function, cellular rubber or motor-vehicle use can change classification. Give your broker the drawing, composition and intended use.
What dimensions should I send the factory?
Send panel-hole diameter, panel thickness, groove dimensions, cable bore, flange dimensions and tolerances. Confirm whether the design is open, split or has a pierceable membrane.
How do I check that a grommet will protect the cable?
Fit samples to the actual panel and cable. Check that the groove seats securely, the flange covers the panel edge and the bore does not pinch the cable. Check retention and inspect for flash or tears.