Sourcing trailer hubodometers from China

0% duty on trailer hubodometers

Heading 9029 covers milometers and similar counters, alongside speed indicators and other instruments. A trailer hubodometer records distance from wheel rotation. Complete distance counters are candidates for 9029 10 00 90; dedicated parts and accessories are candidates for 9029 90 00 90. The table separates product variants sharing these tariff lines.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, the relevant counter and parts lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is normally 20%.

Confirm the commodity code using the exact function, construction and supplied components. Generic mounting hardware should be classified separately where appropriate. See the wider counters and speedometers guide for other products within this heading.

Tyre calibration and hub mounting

Specify mechanical or electronic operation, miles or kilometres, tyre rolling circumference or revolutions per distance, and whether calibration is fixed or adjustable. Agree accuracy acceptance criteria, starting reading, reset behaviour and counting during reversing. Supply a hub drawing covering mounting thread, bracket, clearance and fastening method. Check that installation leaves access for hub servicing.

For electronic models, check the scope of the electromagnetic compatibility regulations: they cover electrical and electronic equipment liable to generate electromagnetic disturbance, with exceptions. For battery models, establish the battery category and registration route; how you register depends on battery type and the amount placed on the market. Arrange a model-specific review through testing and certification.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 1,000 mechanical trailer hubodometers, illustrative order under 9029 10 00 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £1,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £31,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £31,000, so it is £6,200. 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

Calibration: compare the supplied tyre setting and distance unit with the order, then compare recorded distance with a measured route or controlled wheel-rotation test.

Mounting: trial-fit the unit to the intended hub, check thread engagement and clearance, and inspect brackets and fasteners against the approved drawing.

Sealing: inspect the lens, housing joint and mounting interface; test agreed resistance to water, road dirt and washing, then check for condensation.

Readout: check legibility, starting reading and reset behaviour; repeat counting after vibration testing and, for electronic models, check low-battery behaviour and stored readings.

What goes wrong

A unit can fit the hub yet record the wrong distance because its calibration assumes a different tyre rolling circumference. Mixed miles and kilometres, an incorrect mounting thread or an overlooked bracket can make an otherwise functioning batch unusable. Keep the approved sample, drawing and calibration record together.

Watch for skipped counts, vibration-induced counting, water behind the lens and loose fasteners. Electronic models also need checks for unreadable displays and lost readings after battery depletion. Agree the test method and acceptance criteria before production, then use quality inspection to compare the batch with the approved specification.

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.