Sourcing spherical roller bearings from China
Complete spherical roller bearings from China pay 8% UK duty; related parts have headline rates of 6% to 8%, with a suspension for some parts. Use the complete-bearing code for assembled bearings and verify any branded stock's authenticity. Cambridge China Bridge sources spherical roller bearings.
Complete bearings: 8% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, complete spherical roller bearings under 8482 30 00 00 carry 8% duty on goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line. Heading 8482 covers ball or roller bearings and their parts.
The table also includes separately imported components, rather than alternative codes for complete bearings. Other loose rollers carry 6%; the listed unfinished rings carry 8%. Other bearing parts under 8482 99 00 90 have an 8% headline rate and a 0.00 % autonomous suspension, excluding mixtures, preparations or products made up of different components containing these products. Do not apply that parts suspension to complete bearings.
Confirm the commodity code using the drawing and whether the shipment contains complete bearings or separate parts. The wider bearing guide covers other bearing families. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete spherical roller bearings | 8482 30 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Other loose bearing rollers, including spherical rollers | 8482 91 90 90 | 6% | None |
| Specified unfinished steel inner or outer bearing rings | 8482 99 00 60 | 8% | None |
| Other bearing parts, including relevant rings and cages | 8482 99 00 90 | 8% | None |
Specify bore, clearance and cage
Specify the full bearing designation and drawing, bore, outside diameter and width, cylindrical or tapered bore, tolerance class, radial internal clearance and cage material. Identify any adapter sleeve separately. Give the supplier the shaft arrangement, operating load, speed, temperature and lubrication method so that substitutions can be reviewed before manufacture.
Agree the inspection method and acceptance limits for dimensions and clearance, plus steel grade, heat-treatment records and hardness evidence. For sealed bearings, specify the seal arrangement and grease. Ask for traceable batch markings and rust protection. Use factory verification to check the manufacturer's production and measurement capability.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 40 large spherical roller bearings for industrial maintenance under 8482 30 00 00, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £37,500. Duty at 8% is £3,000. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,500, so it is £8,100. Import taxes total £11,100; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £3,000 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and fit: compare the designation, bore type, dimensions and any supplied sleeve with the approved drawing; check arrival stock against the packing list.
Clearance and rotation: measure radial internal clearance against the agreed group and check rotation for roughness or binding. A smooth hand spin alone does not establish service life.
Steel and workmanship: match material and heat-treatment records to the batch, check hardness on agreed samples and inspect accessible surfaces for corrosion, damage and grinding defects.
Markings and packing: verify brand authenticity, batch identification, seals where specified and rust protection. Check cartons for moisture or impact damage; agree sampling through quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A matching outside size can hide the wrong bore, clearance or cage. An unapproved substitution can cause mounting problems or hot running. Poor heat treatment, contaminated lubricant and damaged raceways can cause early failure. Keep the approved designation and drawing attached to the purchase order and investigate failed samples before accepting replacement stock.
Brand markings do not prove authenticity. Counterfeit bearings can fail early; confirm the legal implications of selling suspect branded stock with the relevant authority. If you want the factory to apply an existing trade mark, contact its owner. Check permission before approving the marking artwork, and retain evidence supporting the authenticity of branded stock.
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 spherical roller bearings from China?
Complete spherical roller bearings under 8482 30 00 00 carry 8% duty in the supplied tariff record. It lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty for that line.
Can I use a bearing-parts suspension for complete bearings?
No. The supplied record shows no suspension for complete spherical roller bearings. The suspension listed for other bearing parts belongs to a separate commodity line.
What should I specify before ordering spherical roller bearings?
Specify the full designation, drawing, bore type, dimensions, tolerance class, internal clearance, cage and lubrication arrangement. Identify any sleeve separately and prohibit unapproved substitutions.
How do I check branded spherical roller bearings?
Check supplier provenance and authenticity with the brand owner. Inspect bearing and carton markings together. A brand name or copied certificate alone is insufficient purchasing evidence.