Sourcing rubber diaphragms from China
Rubber contraceptive diaphragms from China carry 0% UK duty under the other rubber hygienic articles line. They are medical devices: registration with the MHRA is required before placing them on the Great Britain market. Cambridge China Bridge sources rubber contraceptive diaphragms.
Duty and classification for rubber diaphragms
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 4014 covers hygienic or pharmaceutical articles of vulcanised rubber other than hard rubber, with or without hard rubber fittings. Rubber contraceptive diaphragms should be checked against 4014 90 00 00, the other articles line.
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. The table repeats the relevant commodity line for different purchasing descriptions; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Give your broker the material composition, intended contraceptive use and construction to confirm the commodity code. For the sheath contraceptive line within the wider heading, see latex condom sourcing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber contraceptive diaphragms | 4014 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the membrane, rim and device documentation
Specify the rubber compound, latex content, membrane thickness, diameter, dome shape, rim construction and recovery after folding. Agree dimensional tolerances, packaging, storage conditions and remaining shelf life at delivery. Match the approved sample to the exact model and material described in the supplier's documentation.
For Great Britain, medical device manufacturers must meet the relevant marking and conformity assessment requirements. Devices must be registered with the MHRA before being placed on that market, and a manufacturer outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person. Ask for the model-specific declaration, applicable certificate and registration evidence before ordering.
Manufacturers must hold clinical data supporting device claims. Ask for evidence covering the claimed contraceptive performance, tissue contact, cleaning method and reuse instructions. Confirm the applicable conformity route and any CE acceptance conditions for the actual model through testing and certification support.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 2,000 rubber contraceptive diaphragms under 4014 90 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,500, so it is £6,500. 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. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Contraceptive products sold other than on prescription take the reduced rate of VAT under HMRC's VAT Notice 701/57, so check the rate for your product.
Inspection checklist
Membrane: inspect sampled diaphragms for pinholes, tears, thin patches, tackiness and embedded particles; compare thickness and shape with the agreed specification.
Rim: check dimensions, continuity, exposed reinforcement and recovery after folding against the approved sample and agreed test method.
Packaging: check individual packs for damage, contamination and mixed models; match batch references and expiry information across cartons and product packs.
Documents: match the manufacturer, model, material and intended use across the declaration, certificate, label and instructions; record discrepancies before releasing stock.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A change in compound or rim construction can leave production unlike the approved sample. Look for brittle or sticky membranes, weak rim recovery and damage caused by packing. Agree how the factory will notify you of material or tooling changes, and hold affected stock while discrepancies are investigated.
Generic certificates may describe another model or material. A printed conformity mark alone does not establish that the documents cover your diaphragm. Keep the specification, approved sample, batch inspection records and device documents together so you can trace a complaint to the supplied batch.
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 contraceptive diaphragms from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% under 4014 90 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Ask your broker to confirm that the product fits this line.
Do rubber contraceptive diaphragms need MHRA registration?
Yes. Medical devices must be registered with the MHRA before being placed on the Great Britain market. A manufacturer outside the UK must appoint a UK responsible person.
What should I ask the Chinese factory for?
Ask for the compound specification, model drawings, approved sample, declaration of conformity, applicable certificate, registration evidence and supporting performance data.
How do I check a diaphragm shipment on arrival?
Compare dimensions and rim recovery with the approved sample, inspect membranes for damage, check packs and batch references, and reconcile labels with the model-specific documents.