Solar panels from China

0% duty on solar panels

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, photovoltaic modules and panels under 8541 43 00 00 carried 0% on goods from China, as did loose cells, photovoltaic DC and AC generators under heading 8501 and parts. No line carried anti-dumping duty. Import VAT at 20% still applies.

Standard framed panels are 8541 43 00 00. A panel with a built-in microinverter that delivers AC is a photovoltaic AC generator under 8501 80 00 00. Inverters and batteries are separate: see power supplies, transformers and inverters and lithium batteries. Confirm the commodity code from the datasheet.

Electrical safety and WEEE

The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 apply to equipment designed for 50 to 1,000 V AC or 75 to 1,500 V DC, which covers typical panel and string voltages. A panel needs technical documentation, a declaration of conformity, UKCA or CE marking and the importer's name and address. Buyers expect certification to IEC 61215 (design qualification) and IEC 61730 (safety); ask for the certificates for the exact model and power class and check them with the body that issued them.

Photovoltaic panels are listed in category 4 of Schedule 3 to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2013, so an importer placing them on the UK market normally has WEEE producer obligations; see WEEE for importers.

MCS and the Smart Export Guarantee

Ofgem says that for solar installations up to 50 kW, a generator must present a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificate or an equivalent to join the Smart Export Guarantee, and the installation and installer must be certified. MCS is an industry scheme rather than a law, but in practice installers serving homes and small businesses buy panels that are on the MCS product list. If you are importing for that market, check the panel's MCS listing before ordering, or plan and budget for getting it listed.

What to check before shipment

Ask for the flash test data for each panel in the shipment, matched to serial numbers, and check the measured power against the label and the tolerance you agreed. Sample panels for electroluminescence imaging to find cracked cells, and check frames, glass, junction boxes, connectors and cable lengths against the specification. Buyers developing larger sites also ask for supply chain traceability of the cells and wafers and for factory audit reports; see ethical audits.

Panels are fragile in transit: agree pallet configuration, corner protection and container loading in advance, and inspect a sample on arrival for breakage. Quality inspection covers the stages.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: one container of solar panels under 8541 43 00 00, invoiced at £33,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £36,000. Duty at 0% is nil. Import VAT at 20% is £7,200, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Related guides and how we help

For related products see renewable energy products, EV chargers and electrical cable.

Cambridge China Bridge checks panel makers in China, matches certificates and flash data to the shipment and inspects before shipment; see container programmes, factory verification and testing and certification.