Sourcing three-phase induction motors from China
Three-phase induction motors from China carry 0% UK duty across the selected lines, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the applicable ecodesign scope and efficiency requirements with the relevant authority; match test evidence to the rating and design. Cambridge China Bridge sources three-phase induction motors.
Zero duty on the selected motor lines
Heading 8501 covers electric motors and generators, excluding generating sets. Three-phase induction motors sit within the multi-phase motor branches. The selected rows include general industrial motors and specialised traction products. The motor-vehicle drive row also covers other motor technologies, so use it only where the complete product matches its description.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, all selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Zero customs duty does not remove product compliance obligations.
Confirm the commodity code using the motor's output, operating principle, application and assembly details. The specialised hybrid-bus line has detailed conditions that must match the goods. For the wider product family, see electric motors.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other multi-phase motors, output over 750 W up to 7.5 kW | 8501 52 20 89 | 0% | None |
| Other non-traction multi-phase motors, output over 75 kW up to 375 kW | 8501 53 81 90 | 0% | None |
| Specified asynchronous traction motors for hybrid bus manufacture | 8501 53 50 50 | 0% | None |
| Motor-vehicle electric drives up to 315 kW, including induction-motor versions | 8501 53 50 10 | 0% | None |
Specify the winding, mounting and efficiency
Specify rated output, supply voltage, frequency, poles, continuous or intermittent duty, starting arrangement and intended load. Agree shaft dimensions, keyway, feet or flange, terminal-box position, enclosure protection, insulation class, bearings and grease. If using a variable-speed drive, describe that operating arrangement in the enquiry.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the continuous-duty, direct-on-line induction motor falls within the applicable ecodesign scope and which efficiency class applies to its power band and design. Confirm any exemption for the exact design. Request efficiency test evidence for each rating rather than accepting a nameplate claim.
For motors within the electrical safety scope, confirm technical documentation, declaration of conformity, UKCA or CE marking and importer identification requirements with the relevant authority. Ecodesign compliance requires a declaration supported by technical documentation. Electrical equipment within the electrical safety scope must be accompanied by clear, legible instructions in easily understandable English.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 three-phase induction motors, rated at 4 kW under 8501 52 20 89, invoiced at £48,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £50,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £50,500, so it is £10,100. 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
Nameplate and documents: match model, output, voltage, frequency, speed, duty and efficiency class to the approved specification and corresponding test report.
Shaft and mounting: measure shaft, keyway, feet and flange dimensions against the agreed drawing; check shaft runout and compare the terminal-box position with the approved sample.
Windings and running: arrange insulation-resistance, no-load and load checks; record current, vibration, noise and bearing behaviour against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Enclosure and packing: inspect terminal-box seals, earth terminal, paint, corrosion and transport damage. Compare bearings and grease with the specification. Use the inspection guide to plan production and arrival checks.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A motor can fit the mounting yet have the wrong winding or duty rating. Other failures include an efficiency claim unsupported by testing, noisy or hot bearings, shaft dimensions that prevent coupling, and terminal-box seals that do not support the claimed protection. For clutch procurement, see our electromagnetic clutch sourcing guide.
Keep an approved drawing and sample, and require agreement before changes to laminations, windings or bearings. Compare arrival samples with production records and investigate discrepancies before installation.
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 three-phase induction motors from China?
The selected lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the exact code before shipping.
Do all three-phase induction motors need the same efficiency class?
Confirm the applicable efficiency class with the relevant authority using the exact motor's power band and design. Check the scope and any exemption, then obtain efficiency test evidence for its rating.
Can I buy a replacement motor by power rating alone?
No. Match voltage, frequency, speed, duty, starting arrangement, shaft, mounting and enclosure protection as well as rated output.
What should I check when the motors arrive?
Match nameplates and documents, measure shafts and mountings, inspect seals and transport damage, and arrange running and insulation checks against the agreed specification.