Sourcing sand classifiers from China
Sand classifiers and dedicated parts within heading 8474 carry 0% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedies. Complete powered classifiers supplied in Great Britain must meet machinery safety requirements, carry UKCA or CE marking and come with a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Cambridge China Bridge sources sand classifiers.
Sand classifier duty and classification
Heading 8474 covers machinery that sorts, screens, separates or washes mineral substances, among other mineral-processing functions. Sand classifiers that separate or wash mineral sand belong within this scope. The table separates classifier configurations sharing a code and dedicated parts by material; it does not classify every component shipped with a plant.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all listed heading 8474 lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the machine's function, drawings and shipment contents, especially for separately supplied parts. For the surrounding processing line, see aggregate washing plants.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral sand classifiers for separating mineral sand | 8474 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Dedicated sand classifier parts of cast iron or cast steel | 8474 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other dedicated sand classifier parts | 8474 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the sand and separation result
State whether you need a spiral classifier or another separation arrangement. Describe the feed grading, clay and silt content, solids concentration, required throughput and target sand grading. Agree how the factory will measure recovered sand, fines in the overflow and moisture at discharge using material representative of your feed.
For spiral machines, specify the trough, screw, replaceable wear edges, bearing arrangement and gearbox. Agree water connections, overflow position, discharge height, electrical supply and maintenance access. Request drawings showing lifting points and connection interfaces before approving manufacture.
Complete powered machinery supplied in Great Britain must satisfy machinery safety requirements and carry UKCA or CE marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Ask for documents identifying the exact model and review the evidence through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: an electric spiral sand classifier under 8474 10 00 00, invoiced at £32,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £38,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £38,000, so it is £7,600. 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
Separation: witness a trial with representative feed and record feed condition, recovered sand grading, overflow losses and discharge moisture against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Wear and drive: check screw alignment, wear-edge material, liner fastening, bearing seals and gearbox details against the approved drawings and order.
Safety and documents: check guards, emergency stops, isolation arrangements, conformity marking, declaration of conformity and English operating instructions.
Arrival: inspect the trough, screw supports and discharge connections for transport damage; reconcile loose parts and spares with the packing list before assembly.
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What goes wrong
A water-only demonstration does not establish separation performance on your sand. Changes in feed grading or clay content can leave saleable fines in the overflow or produce sand outside the agreed grading. Define the trial material and sampling method before accepting the factory's output claim.
Misaligned screws can rub against the trough, abrasive slurry can reach poorly sealed bearings, and mismatched connections can delay installation. Compare the delivered machine with approved drawings and retain the factory trial record for the arrival inspection.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on sand classifiers from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for separating or washing machines under 8474 10 00 00 and dedicated parts under the listed parts codes, with no trade remedies. Import VAT is separate.
Do sand classifiers need CE or UKCA marking?
Complete powered classifiers supplied in Great Britain must carry UKCA or CE marking and come with a declaration of conformity and English instructions.
How should I test a sand classifier before shipment?
Use representative feed. Agree sampling and acceptance criteria for recovered sand grading, fines lost in the overflow, throughput and discharge moisture.
Which sand classifier spares should I order?
Agree replaceable wear edges, liners, seals and model-specific drive parts with the factory. Check part drawings and material specifications so replacements fit the delivered machine.