Sourcing ship stern tubes from China
Ship stern tubes from China classified under the selected lines of heading 8487 carry 0% UK duty throughout, with no listed trade remedies. This residual heading only covers parts not specified elsewhere. Confirm the material, bearing alignment and seal interfaces against the vessel drawing. Cambridge China Bridge sources ship stern tubes.
Zero duty on the selected stern-tube lines
Heading 8487 covers machinery parts without electrical features that are not specified elsewhere. For ship stern tubes, the table gives candidate lines for bare tubes and housings according to material and manufacturing method. These are not dedicated stern-tube codes. Bearings have their own headings, so describe whether the shipment contains bare housings or assemblies.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls on these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty; see UK import duty and VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the drawing, material, manufacturing process and supplied components. Heading 8487 is residual, so an identifiable part covered elsewhere should not be assigned here solely because it is a stern tube. See the wider guide to propellers and machinery parts.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast-iron stern-tube housings, subject to classification | 8487 90 40 90 | 0% | None |
| Cast-steel stern-tube housings, subject to classification | 8487 90 51 90 | 0% | None |
| Forged iron or steel stern-tube parts, subject to classification | 8487 90 57 90 | 0% | None |
| Other iron or steel stern tubes, subject to classification | 8487 90 59 90 | 0% | None |
| Stern-tube housings of other materials, subject to classification | 8487 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Bearing bores, seal interfaces and vessel drawings
Specify the shaft diameter, tube length, wall thickness, bearing-seat dimensions, bore alignment, flange geometry and seal mounting details. State whether lubrication is by water or oil, and identify the bearings and seals the tube must accommodate. Agree material grade, corrosion protection, surface finish and tolerances with the shipyard rather than accepting a factory catalogue drawing.
Ask for material certificates linked to the heat, a dimensional report and the agreed casting, forging or weld inspection records. Define any leak test and its acceptance criteria in the order. Ask the shipyard or vessel surveyor which drawings and inspection documents it expects before approving production.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 40 small steel stern tubes without bearings or seals under 8487 90 59 90, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £29,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £29,000, so it is £5,800. 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
Material: match the tube identification to the material certificate and approved grade. Review the agreed defect inspection reports for castings, forgings or welded construction.
Geometry: measure bearing seats, bore alignment, tube straightness, flange faces and mounting holes against the approved drawing. Check the measurement report identifies the actual supplied parts.
Interfaces: check seal mounting faces, lubrication connections and bearing fits. Review the agreed leak-test record where applicable, and inspect bores for burrs, scoring and contamination.
Arrival and packing: inspect for bent tubes, damaged flange faces, rust and loose supports. Protect machined surfaces and close openings. Solid wood packaging used to import into Great Britain must meet ISPM15; specify this in the packing brief.
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What goes wrong
Misaligned bearing seats can prevent assembly or cause uneven bearing wear. Incorrect seal mounting dimensions can lead to leakage, while casting porosity or defective welds may remain hidden until testing. Unsupported tubes can bend in transit. Approve the dimensional and defect inspection records before dispatch, then repeat accessible checks on arrival.
Keep the agreed vessel application, drawing revision and acceptance criteria with your sales records. Business customers have implied rights unless the contract lawfully excludes them in a way a court would consider reasonable. Agree how non-conforming tubes will be assessed and replaced before placing the factory 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on ship stern tubes from China?
The selected heading 8487 lines carry 0% duty from China in the supplied tariff record. No trade remedies are listed. Confirm classification for the actual tube or assembly; import VAT is separate.
Are all stern-tube assemblies classified under heading 8487?
No. Heading 8487 is residual. Supply the drawing, material and component list when checking classification, especially if bearings or other separately identifiable components are included.
What should I put on a stern-tube purchase drawing?
Include shaft and bearing dimensions, bore alignment, tube length, flange geometry, seal interfaces, lubrication connections, material grade, surface finish and acceptance tolerances.
How do I inspect stern tubes before installation?
Check material traceability, bearing seats, bore alignment, seal faces and the agreed defect and leak-test records. On arrival, check for bending, corrosion, damaged faces and contamination.