Sourcing Shore hardness testers from China

Duty and the mercury control

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 9024 covers machines testing mechanical properties of materials. Shore testers for rubber and plastics are candidates for 9024 80 00 00; parts and accessories fall under 9024 90 00 00. The table separates product configurations sharing the same tariff line.

Both lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no listed suspension. The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control of mercury to 9024 80 00 00. Official guidance applies mercury restrictions to all measuring devices containing mercury. Obtain a supplier mercury-content statement and have your customs broker confirm the requirement for the exact product before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the material tested, operating method and contents of the shipment. Metal hardness testing has a separate line within this heading; see Rockwell hardness testers for the wider heading context.

Specify the Shore scale and test arrangement

State the rubber or plastic being tested, the Shore scale required by your test method, specimen thickness and shape, contact time, and whether testing is handheld or on a stand. Agree the indenter, presser foot, stand mechanism, display and reporting format. Ask for calibration results matched to the instrument serial number, rather than a generic factory certificate.

For digital models, assess whether the electromagnetic compatibility rules apply: their scope includes electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, with exceptions. For powered testing machines, confirm with the relevant authority which machinery requirements apply, including those concerning CE or UKCA marking, a declaration of conformity, guarding and an English manual. Arrange testing and certification around the actual configuration.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Three powered Shore hardness testing machines with stands, illustrative only under 9024 80 00 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,900, so it is £2,180. 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: match the scale, model, serial number and supplied accessories to the purchase specification and calibration record.

Measurement: inspect the indenter and presser foot, check free movement and return, and repeat readings on agreed reference specimens using the same contact time and positioning.

Stand and display: check specimen support, alignment and smooth operation; test digital reading hold, data export and battery access where supplied.

Arrival: inspect transit damage, corrosion and packing pressure on the indenter. Repeat the agreed acceptance checks after unpacking; record results through your quality inspection process.

What goes wrong

The wrong Shore scale, a damaged indenter or an unsuitable specimen can make readings unusable. Hand pressure, contact time and uneven support can also change results. Agree the test arrangement and acceptance method before ordering, then use that arrangement for factory and arrival checks.

A calibration document may identify a different instrument, while a digital display can make inconsistent readings look convincing. Check serial numbers and repeatability, and agree access to replacement parts and recalibration before shipment.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.