Sourcing thermostats and controllers from China
Thermostats, manostats and most automatic controllers from China pay 0% UK duty, with other controllers and parts at 2% and no anti-dumping duty. A thermostat that connects to an app or network is a connectable product under the PSTI security rules, and mains-powered models need electrical safety evidence. Cambridge China Bridge sources thermostats, temperature controllers and control panels.
Thermostats, manostats and automatic controllers pay 0% UK duty from China, other controllers 2%. Smart models fall under PSTI.
Duty by type
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, electronic and other thermostats, manostats, and hydraulic or pneumatic regulating instruments carried 0% duty on goods from China. Other automatic regulating or controlling instruments and parts of the heading carried 2%. None had an anti-dumping measure.
A controller built into a boiler, an oven or a machine is classified with that product, not here; confirm the commodity code for what you actually import.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic thermostats | 9032 10 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Other thermostats | 9032 10 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Manostats (pressure switches) | 9032 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Hydraulic or pneumatic regulating instruments | 9032 81 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other automatic regulating or controlling instruments | 9032 89 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Parts and accessories | 9032 90 00 90 | 2% | None |
Smart thermostats and security
A thermostat that connects to Wi-Fi, a hub or an app is a connectable product. Schedule 3 of the PSTI security regulations excepts desktops, laptops and non-cellular tablets, not heating controls, so the rules on default passwords, a vulnerability reporting route and a published update period apply; see the PSTI guide.
Wireless models are also radio equipment. Ask who runs the cloud service and app, and what happens to the product if that service stops.
Electrical safety and voltage
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 cover equipment rated between 50 and 1,000 volts AC or 75 and 1,500 volts DC. A mains-wired thermostat or panel controller is inside that range; a battery room thermostat is not, but it still has to be safe under general product safety law. Both need UKCA or CE evidence for the rules that apply, and electrical controls bring WEEE obligations.
For industrial PID controllers, check the sensor inputs, relay ratings and accuracy against your application, and ask for the test report behind the rating.
Samples and inspection
Test samples on the boiler, heat pump or process they will control, including switching accuracy and behaviour after a power cut. At inspection, check wiring terminals, labels and firmware version.
Cambridge China Bridge sources thermostats, temperature and pressure controllers, with PSTI, radio and electrical safety evidence settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on thermostats from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, thermostats and manostats carried 0% duty from China, other automatic controllers 2%, with no anti-dumping duty.
Do smart thermostats fall under PSTI?
Yes. A thermostat that connects to a network or app is a connectable product, and heating controls are not among the Schedule 3 exceptions.
Does a battery thermostat need electrical safety testing?
It sits outside the voltage range of the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, but it must still be safe under general product safety law, and radio rules apply if it is wireless.
Where is a controller built into a machine classified?
Usually with the machine. Heading 9032 covers controllers imported on their own.