Sourcing server memory modules from China

Server memory duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8473 covers parts and accessories for calculating, computing and office machines. Server memory modules are considered here under 8473 30 20 00, electronic assemblies for computers. The table shows module types sharing that tariff line, rather than separate classifications.

The recorded duty for goods from China is 0%. This line has no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Other office-machine lines within the heading have waste controls attached; importers using those lines should confirm the requirement with their customs broker.

Confirm the commodity code using the module specification and intended use. The RAM modules guide covers the wider memory-module family. For server storage components, see our server RAID card sourcing guide.

Specify memory for the target server

State the server model, processor platform, firmware version and approved memory part numbers. Specify memory generation, capacity, speed, rank layout, error correction and whether the module is registered, load-reduced or unbuffered. Agree the slot population arrangement and test the proposed modules together in the intended server.

Specify new or recovered condition, chip manufacturer, module manufacturer and acceptable substitutions. Ask for source records and hazardous-substance evidence matching the supplied part number. Under the hazardous-substance rules, supplier confirmation does not replace the manufacturer's determination that its finished product complies.

For electrical-equipment waste reporting, official guidance says spare parts supplied to repair a finished product are not electrical and electronic equipment products. Describe the actual supply route when checking applicability; do not assume that a complete server and a replacement memory module receive identical treatment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of registered memory modules for a server refurbishment business under 8473 30 20 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,500, so it is £6,300. 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

Identity: compare module labels, chip markings, serial records and programmed identification data with the approved sample and purchase specification.

Compatibility: install samples in the target server using the agreed slot arrangement; check detected capacity, operating speed and error-correction status.

Function: run memory diagnostics and sustained workload tests; record errors, restarts and any modules the server fails to recognise.

Condition and packing: inspect contacts, soldering and chip surfaces for damage or previous use; check shielding bags, protective trays and batch labels at dispatch and arrival. Arrange inspection against the agreed checks.

What goes wrong

A module can fit the socket yet fail because its buffering, rank layout or chip organisation differs from what the server supports. Mixed batches can boot individually but fail together or operate below the agreed speed. Approve the exact configuration rather than accepting a photograph or a capacity label.

Recovered modules may be sold as new, labels may conceal substituted chips, and poor handling can cause intermittent faults. Retain the approved sample, compare arrival records with dispatch results and agree how failed modules will be identified and returned.

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.