Sourcing stereo microscopes from China

UK duty on stereo microscopes

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, stereo microscopes under 9011 10 00 00 carried 0% duty for goods from China. Heading 9011 covers compound optical microscopes; parts and accessories under 9011 90 00 00 also carried 0%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty, or suspension, is listed for these lines. The table shows stereo configurations sharing the same tariff line, plus the parts line.

The tariff attaches a DCMS Export Licence entry. Official guidance describes licensing for exports of objects of cultural interest from Great Britain. Ask your customs broker to confirm how this entry and its document waiver apply to your shipment from China.

Confirm the commodity code using the complete instrument specification and separately described accessories. A camera port does not by itself describe the optical system. See the wider microscope guide for other microscope families.

Specify the view and the space beneath the lens

Specify fixed or zoom magnification, eyepieces, field of view, working distance and the largest workpiece. State whether the buyer needs reflected illumination for opaque objects, transmitted illumination for transparent specimens, or both. Agree the stand type, focus travel, head adjustment and camera connection. Approve a sample using the buyer's actual components or specimens.

For mains-powered illumination, ask for electrical safety evidence, UKCA or CE marking, a declaration of conformity and the UK importer's name and address, and confirm the applicable Great Britain requirements with the relevant authority. Also confirm whether electromagnetic compatibility, restricted substances and waste electrical equipment obligations apply to the supplied configuration; these topics are described in the wider microscope guide. Ask for reports matching the supplied illuminator and adaptor.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 150 stereo microscopes under 9011 10 00 00, invoiced at £27,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £28,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £28,500, so it is £5,700. 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

Optics: check that the views merge comfortably, remain sharp across the field and show no dust or fungus. Repeat the check through the zoom range after setting the eyepieces.

Working clearance: place the intended workpiece beneath the objective and confirm room for tools, hands and any camera attachment without losing focus.

Stand and focus: check smooth adjustment, secure clamps and no head drift. Test a boom stand at its intended extension with the supplied head fitted.

Illumination and packing: check dimming, shadows, adaptor identification and supplied documents. Confirm that foam restrains the head and stand, then repeat optical checks on arrival. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

A catalogue magnification can hide an unsuitable working distance or narrow field. Misaligned optical paths make viewing tiring, while loose focus mechanisms and boom clamps let the image move during assembly work. An illuminator that looks bright on an empty stage can cast shadows around a tall component.

Keep an approved sample and record the eyepieces, auxiliary lenses, stand and illuminator supplied with it. Check production against that configuration. Restrain heavy components separately in the packing and check alignment after delivery, since movement in transit can undo an acceptable factory adjustment.

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.