Sourcing switchgear enclosures and parts from China
Boards, panels, consoles, desks and cabinets for switchgear and control panels, not yet equipped, and parts for switches, circuit breakers, fuses and control apparatus from China pay 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Once assembled, low voltage switchgear must meet the BS EN 61439 series and electrical safety rules. Cambridge China Bridge sources enclosures and switchgear parts.
Switchboard enclosures, panels, cabinets and parts for switches, breakers and control gear pay 0% UK duty from China. Assembly standards explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, boards, panels, consoles, desks, cabinets and other bases for the goods of heading 8537 not equipped with their apparatus, electronic assemblies and other parts for the apparatus of headings 8535 to 8537 carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Complete switchboards and control panels are in heading 8537, and breakers and switches in 8535 and 8536; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boards, panels, cabinets and bases, not equipped | 8538 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Electronic assemblies | 8538 90 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Other parts, electronic | 8538 90 19 00 | 0% | None |
| Other parts, other | 8538 90 99 99 | 0% | None |
Assembly standards
An empty enclosure is a component, but the finished low voltage switchgear or control assembly must be verified to the BS EN 61439 series by the panel builder and meet the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Ask the enclosure maker for the IP rating, IK impact rating, material thickness and any empty enclosure verification to BS EN 62208.
Specification
Specify dimensions, gland plates, mounting plates, door locks, earthing points, paint system and colour (RAL), and whether the enclosure is steel, stainless or plastic. For outdoor use, specify UV and corrosion resistance.
Inspection
At inspection, check dimensions, door gaps and seals, earthing continuity, paint thickness and packing against scratches.
Cambridge China Bridge sources switchgear enclosures, cabinets and parts, with ratings, finishes and assembly standards settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on electrical enclosures from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, empty switchgear boards, panels and cabinets of heading 8538 carried 0% duty from China.
Which standard applies to finished switchgear?
Low voltage switchgear and control assemblies are verified to the BS EN 61439 series by the panel builder.
What ratings should an enclosure have?
An IP rating for ingress, an IK rating for impact, and empty enclosure verification to BS EN 62208 where offered.
Are complete control panels in heading 8538?
No. Equipped switchboards and control panels are in heading 8537.