Sourcing supercapacitors from China
UK duty is 0% across the supplied heading 8532 lines for goods from China. Confirm the classification of each supercapacitor or module. Business-to-business components are outside RoHS scope, but components must support the finished electrical product's compliance. Cambridge China Bridge sources supercapacitors.
Duty and supercapacitor classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8532 covers fixed, variable and adjustable electrical capacitors and their parts. Every supplied line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.
There is no dedicated supercapacitor line in the supplied facts. The table repeats the other fixed capacitor line for different physical formats and includes the parts line; these are conditional classification candidates, not separate supercapacitor subheadings. Supercapacitors and banks with switching gear may be classified differently. See the wider capacitors guide.
Give your customs broker the construction, datasheet, intended function and details of any balancing or switching circuitry to confirm the commodity code. Confirm the complete module rather than adopting its individual cells' code. See import duty and VAT when budgeting the shipment.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radial supercapacitors, subject to confirmation as other fixed capacitors | 8532 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Supercapacitor parts, subject to confirmation as capacitor parts | 8532 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify capacitance, resistance and balancing
State whether you need individual cells or an assembled module, and identify the technology. Specify capacitance and tolerance, rated voltage, equivalent series resistance and its measurement method, leakage current after an agreed conditioning period, temperature range, pulse duty and expected life under the intended operating conditions.
For modules, agree cell matching, balancing method, cell voltage monitoring, terminal layout, mounting and enclosure dimensions. Define usable discharge performance in your application, not just the catalogue capacitance. Approve a named part and datasheet before production, and agree how substitutions will be reviewed.
Official Great Britain guidance places component parts sold business-to-business outside RoHS scope. Components used in electrical products must nevertheless support the finished product's compliance with hazardous-substances restrictions. Request material declarations matching each part number, as in the wider capacitors guide, and arrange testing and certification support where needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 600 screw-terminal supercapacitors, illustrative and subject to classification confirmation under 8532 29 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,300, so it is £1,860. 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
Electrical performance: sample each lot for capacitance, equivalent series resistance, leakage and discharge performance using the agreed conditioning, temperature and measurement method.
Module behaviour: check cell voltage balance during charging and discharge, balancing operation and temperature rise under the agreed load.
Identity and condition: match manufacturer, part number, batch markings, polarity and dimensions to the approved sample; inspect seals, vents, terminals and cases for damage or leakage.
Packing and records: check terminal protection and packing against the purchase specification; match declarations and test records to the delivered lots. Use the quality inspection guide to define acceptance checks.
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What goes wrong
A capacitance match can conceal excessive resistance or leakage. The result can be voltage drop under load, heating or a shorter backup period. Comparing results measured with different conditioning or methods can also make an unsuitable substitute appear acceptable.
Modules can fail through mismatched cells, ineffective balancing or damaged connections. A pack-level voltage check can miss an overstressed cell. Keep the approved construction and test method in the purchase specification, and investigate batch differences before accepting substitutions.
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 supercapacitors from China?
All supplied heading 8532 lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no listed trade remedies. Confirm that your particular supercapacitor or module belongs in this heading.
Which commodity code should I use for supercapacitors?
8532 29 00 00 is a candidate for other fixed capacitors, not a confirmed code for every supercapacitor. Give your broker the construction and circuitry details before declaring cells or modules.
Do supercapacitor components need hazardous-substances paperwork?
Business-to-business components are outside RoHS scope themselves. Request part-specific material declarations to support the finished electrical product's compliance.
How should I test supercapacitors on arrival?
Check capacitance, equivalent series resistance, leakage and discharge performance against the agreed method. For modules, also check cell balance, connections and temperature rise.