Sourcing spherical thrust bearings from China
Spherical roller thrust bearings from China carry 8% UK duty; related loose rollers carry 6%, while qualifying other parts have a 0% suspension. Confirm the code for the actual assembly and require compliant solid wood packaging for Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources spherical roller thrust bearings.
8% duty on complete spherical roller bearings
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8482 covers ball or roller bearings. The spherical roller bearing line is 8482 30 00 00. Use it as the starting point for complete spherical roller thrust bearings, then confirm the assembly against its drawing. The related rows distinguish other bearing assemblies, loose rolling elements and separately imported parts.
The spherical roller bearing line carries 8% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control recorded in the supplied tariff facts. Other loose rollers under 8482 91 90 90 carry 6%. Other parts under 8482 99 00 90 have an autonomous suspension at 0.00 %, subject to the stated exclusion for mixtures, preparations or products made up of different components containing those products.
Send the drawing, bearing designation and a description of what ships together to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. Do not apply a parts suspension to a complete bearing. For the wider heading and another thrust-bearing family, see thrust ball bearings.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spherical roller bearings, including spherical roller thrust bearings | 8482 30 00 00 | 8% | None |
| Other bearings, including combined ball and roller bearings | 8482 80 00 90 | 8% | None |
| Other loose balls, needles and rollers for bearings | 8482 91 90 90 | 6% | None |
| Other bearing parts, including separately imported washers and cages | 8482 99 00 90 | 8% | None |
Specify the thrust arrangement and washer interfaces
Specify the complete designation and suffixes, shaft washer bore, housing washer outside diameter, assembled height and mounting interfaces. Give the supplier the axial and radial loads, load direction, operating speed, temperature and expected misalignment. Ask for the proposed bearing's load ratings and operating limits, rather than accepting a claim that matching dimensions make it interchangeable.
Agree cage material, bearing steel, heat-treatment records, dimensional tolerances and surface finish. Specify the lubrication arrangement and ask the supplier to confirm suitability for the application. Keep shaft washers, housing washers and roller assemblies identified as matched sets.
If solid wood pallets or crates are used for imports into Great Britain, they must meet the international phytosanitary standard identified in the official packaging guidance. Put that requirement in the packing specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 30 spherical roller thrust bearings under 8482 30 00 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 8% is £360. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,860, so it is £972. Import taxes total £1,332; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £360 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure washer bore, outside diameter and assembled height against the approved drawing; check seating faces and mounting clearances.
Raceways and rollers: inspect for grinding damage, corrosion, dents and contamination; compare material and hardness records with the agreed specification.
Assembly: check cage condition, matched-set identification and smooth movement using the agreed inspection method; arrange an application-relevant loaded test where needed.
Marking and packing: match designations and batch identification to the documents, verify branded goods' authenticity, and check corrosion protection and restraint of loose washers.
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What goes wrong
A replacement can fit the shaft yet have unsuitable load ratings, cage geometry or lubrication requirements. Mixed washers and roller assemblies, poor raceway finish and contamination can cause heat, vibration and early surface damage. Ask the supplier to explain each proposed substitution before approving it.
Heavy washers can dent raceways during transport if the packing lets them move. Check incoming cartons for moisture and impact damage, then inspect the bearing surfaces before installation. Agree these checks through quality inspection. Bearings carrying another brand's mark without authorisation are counterfeits; verify provenance before buying 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 thrust bearings from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 8% for spherical roller bearings under 8482 30 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Confirm the code for the complete thrust-bearing assembly.
Can I replace a bearing using only its dimensions?
Matching dimensions are only a starting point. Compare designation suffixes, load ratings, operating limits, cage geometry, mounting interfaces and lubrication requirements.
What should I inspect when the bearings arrive?
Check washer dimensions, matched-set identification, raceways, rollers, cage condition and corrosion protection. Compare the batch documents with the specification and inspect for transport damage.
Can bearing parts use a duty suspension?
The supplied facts list a 0.00 % suspension for 8482 99 00 90, with an exclusion for specified composite products. Confirm eligibility with your broker; a complete bearing is a separate classification.