Sourcing torches and head torches from China
Portable electric lamps that run on their own power source from China, including torches, head torches, rechargeable work lights and camping lanterns, pay 4% UK duty, as do their parts, with no anti-dumping duty. Battery rules, WEEE and photobiological safety for very bright LEDs apply, and lithium cells need testing for shipping. Cambridge China Bridge sources torches and portable lights.
Battery torches, head torches, work lights and camping lanterns pay 4% UK duty from China. Batteries, eye safety and shipping explained.
A flat 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, portable electric lamps designed to work by their own source of energy, such as dry batteries, accumulators or magnetos, and their parts carried 4% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Bicycle lights are in heading 8512 and mains-powered lamps in 9405; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable battery lamps: torches, head torches, lanterns | 8513 10 00 00 | 4% | None |
| Parts | 8513 90 00 00 | 4% | None |
Batteries and WEEE
Torches supplied with batteries fall under the Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2009, and all are electrical equipment with WEEE obligations. Rechargeable lithium models need cells tested for transport, with the test summary your forwarder asks for.
Brightness claims and eye safety
Lumen and beam distance claims are often inflated. Ask for test results to a named standard such as ANSI/PLATO FL1, and check them on samples. Very bright LED torches should be assessed for photobiological safety to BS EN 62471, and products for children must not be dazzling.
Inspection
At inspection, check switches, water resistance claims, charging, run time and headband elastic, and drop-test samples.
Cambridge China Bridge sources torches, head torches and lanterns, with batteries, output claims and shipping settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on torches from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, portable battery lamps such as torches and head torches carried 4% duty from China.
Are torch brightness claims regulated?
Claims must be accurate; ask for results to a named standard such as ANSI/PLATO FL1 and check samples.
Where are bike lights classified?
In heading 8512, not 8513.
Can rechargeable torches be air-freighted?
Yes with lithium cells tested for transport and the right shipping documents.