Sourcing server PCIe riser cards from China

Zero duty on the relevant computer-parts lines

Heading 8473 covers parts and accessories for the specified office and computing machines. Server riser board assemblies belong within the computer-parts family; separate mechanical brackets and carriers need their own classification assessment. The table repeats the electronic-assembly code for different riser designs. See the wider computer motherboards guide. For server RAM purchases, see our server memory module sourcing guide.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 10 October 2026, the relevant computer-parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Waste controls recorded elsewhere in this heading concern other office-machine parts.

Confirm the commodity code using the board's function, intended server and whether the shipment includes separate mechanical parts or cables. Do not assume that a separately supplied cable uses the board's code. The duty and VAT guide explains the import calculation.

Specify the server, slot wiring and chassis

Give the supplier the server model, motherboard revision, original riser part number and photographs of both faces. Specify connector orientation, mounting points, card clearance, supported interface generation and electrical lane allocation. A connector that accepts the expansion card does not establish that all its lanes are connected.

State whether the design is passive or contains signal-conditioning components, and whether lane splitting depends on motherboard settings. Approve a sample with the intended expansion card installed in the actual chassis. Agree whether stock must be new or may be recovered from used servers. For storage expansion cards, see our server RAID card sourcing guide.

Ask for a hazardous-substance conformity declaration tied to the supplied part number. Check the applicable electromagnetic compatibility requirements, particularly for active assemblies: the regulations cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, subject to exceptions. For electrical equipment within hazardous-substance controls, products must show the importer's name or trademark and a contactable address on the product or packaging.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative batch of passive server riser cards for a replacement-parts distributor 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

Fit: compare board outline, connector direction, locating features and mounting holes with the approved sample; close the chassis with the intended expansion card fitted.

Function: confirm card detection, negotiated link speed and lane width in the target server; run the intended workload and check for link errors or intermittent disconnects.

Condition: inspect connector contacts, solder joints, board edges and component markings; record revisions and reject undisclosed repairs or signs of previous use.

Packing and records: check shielding bags, supported trays and protection against bending; match part numbers and batch records to the order and compliance documents at inspection.

What goes wrong

A riser can fit the slot yet fail electrically because its wiring, lane allocation or motherboard settings differ. Another may work outside the chassis but foul the lid, card bracket or airflow path when assembled. Photographs and connector size alone are insufficient acceptance checks.

Recovered boards can arrive with worn contacts or undisclosed repairs, while poorly supported packing can damage connectors and solder joints. Keep an approved sample, require approval for board revisions and agree how failed arrival tests will be handled before releasing the order.

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.