Sourcing SRAM memory chips from China
SRAM memory chips from China carry 0% UK duty, including cache memory chips, with no trade remedy recorded in the supplied tariff facts. Business-to-business component sales are outside the RoHS rules, but an in-scope finished assembly must comply. Specify the exact part and test its timing and retention. Cambridge China Bridge sources SRAM memory chips.
UK duty on SRAM memory chips
Heading 8542 covers electronic integrated circuits. Ordinary SRAM chips, including cache memory, have the specific line 8542 32 45 00. The other table rows describe special memory constructions and IC parts; they are not interchangeable codes for ordinary packaged SRAM.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all listed lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code using the datasheet and the construction of the goods actually shipped. For wider heading context, see the EEPROM memory IC guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static random-access memory chips, including cache memory | 8542 32 45 00 | 0% | None |
| Multi-component memory ICs meeting the specified chapter note | 8542 32 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Other memory ICs meeting the specified chapter note | 8542 32 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of electronic integrated circuits | 8542 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify SRAM timing, interface and retention
State the manufacturer and complete part number, memory capacity and organisation, supply voltage, package, pinout and temperature grade. Specify whether the interface is asynchronous or synchronous, and agree access time, read and write timing, standby current and any data-retention voltage requirement. Match these details to the target board rather than accepting a supplier's description of an equivalent.
Agree new production or unused stock, permitted date codes, original packing and traceability to the maker. Request material compliance information for the exact part. Official Great Britain guidance excludes business-to-business component sales from the RoHS rules, but requires an in-scope finished assembly, including its components, to comply.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 50,000 static random-access memory chips on reels under 8542 32 45 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £40,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £40,600, so it is £8,120. 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: check chip markings, package dimensions, pin orientation and reel labels against the ordered part and the maker's datasheet. Investigate mixed lots, resurfaced packages and inconsistent markings.
Electrical performance: test address and data paths, read and write patterns, access timing and standby current against the datasheet. Include the ordered temperature grade and specified retention conditions.
Packing: check protective packaging, reel condition and, where the maker specifies moisture-sensitive handling, sealed dry packs and humidity indicators. Use controlled handling to prevent electrostatic damage.
Traceability: match lot and date codes to supply records and test results. Keep samples from each lot and agree the inspection plan before shipment.
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What goes wrong
A chip can fit the footprint yet have the wrong timing, voltage or pin functions. A basic read and write demonstration can miss address faults, excessive standby current or retention failure. Approve the exact part and test conditions before accepting a substitute.
Broker stock may contain remarked grades or chips recovered from boards. Mixed lots weaken fault tracing, while poor storage can affect solderability and packaging integrity. Resolve discrepancies before releasing the batch into production.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on SRAM chips from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% duty under 8542 32 45 00, including cache memory chips, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Import VAT is separate.
Can I accept an equivalent SRAM part?
Compare the full datasheets, including pinout, voltage, timing, standby current and retention conditions. Test the proposed part on the target board before approving the substitution.
Do business-to-business SRAM components fall under RoHS?
Official Great Britain guidance excludes business-to-business component sales. An in-scope finished assembly must comply, including its components, so obtain part-specific material information.
How do I check SRAM chips for counterfeits?
Prefer traceable authorised supply. Match markings and lot records, inspect samples and test against the datasheet. For suspect broker stock, agree additional examination before accepting the batch.