Sourcing turboprop engines from China
Turboprop engines from China carry 0% UK duty across the listed power bands, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. If claiming airworthiness customs relief, you must hold and declare the appropriate certificate. Confirm aircraft compatibility before buying. Cambridge China Bridge sources turboprop engines.
0% duty across the turboprop power bands
Heading 8411 covers turbojets, turbopropellers and other gas turbines. This guide covers turboprop engines and their parts. Complete turboprop engines are divided by power, with boundaries at 1 100 kW and 3 730 kW. The tariff also distinguishes engines intended for aircraft imported duty free or built within the Community from other engines. For compressor parts, see our guide to sourcing gas turbine compressor blades.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, all turboprop engine lines and the shared turbojet or turboprop parts lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied records show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines.
Confirm the commodity code using the engine specification, rated power and intended aircraft use. Ask your broker which tariff description matches the order. The turbojet engines guide covers the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop engines not exceeding 1 100 kW, other | 8411 21 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Turboprop engines exceeding 1 100 kW but not exceeding 3 730 kW, other | 8411 22 20 90 | 0% | None |
| Turboprop engines exceeding 3 730 kW, other | 8411 22 80 90 | 0% | None |
| Turboprop engine parts, other; this line also covers turbojet parts | 8411 91 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify the engine, gearbox and intended installation
State the engine manufacturer, model, variant, serial number and intended aircraft. Agree whether the supply is new, overhauled, serviceable used equipment or an engine bought for overhaul. Specify rated shaft power and its operating conditions, reduction gearbox, propeller interface, rotation, mounts, fuel control and included accessories.
For used engines, request operating hours, cycles, overhaul history and remaining life records for life-limited components. Have the receiving aviation organisation review the proposed engine and documents before purchase. If claiming airworthiness customs relief, HMRC requires you to hold and declare the appropriate certificate as evidence for the claim.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A used turboprop engine bought for overhaul; illustrative order under 8411 21 00 90, invoiced at £28,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,000, so it is £6,400. 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
Identity: match the engine and gearbox plates, serial numbers and accessory list against the purchase specification and supplied records.
Condition: have a qualified engine specialist check the borescope findings, corrosion, oil leaks and gearbox condition against the agreed acceptance criteria.
Performance: match any test-cell report to the supplied engine and agreed configuration; review shaft power, temperatures, vibration and oil pressure with your specialist.
Arrival: photograph the crate before opening, check the transport cradle and preservation seals, and reconcile the engine, accessories and original records. Agree the scope of quality inspection before shipment.
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What goes wrong
An engine can share a model name with the requested unit yet have a different gearbox, propeller interface or accessory configuration. A test report for another serial number does not establish the supplied engine's condition. Put the exact configuration and document list into the purchase agreement.
Missing service history can make remaining component life difficult to establish. Poor preservation can conceal corrosion until unpacking. An engine bought for overhaul needs a different acceptance plan from a serviceable engine; ask the receiving aviation organisation to assess installation suitability separately from customs paperwork.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For machinery and equipment, see machinery imports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on turboprop engines from China?
The supplied tariff records show 0% duty across all turboprop power bands, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded.
Which commodity code covers a turboprop engine?
The code depends on power and the aircraft-use description. The listed other-engine lines are 8411 21 00 90, 8411 22 20 90 and 8411 22 80 90. Confirm the exact specification with your broker.
What documents should I request for a used turboprop?
Request serial-number records, operating hours and cycles, overhaul history, life-limited component records and available release documents. Have the receiving aviation organisation review them before purchase.
Do I need a certificate to claim airworthiness customs relief?
Yes. HMRC says you must hold and declare the appropriate certificate as evidence for that relief claim. The supplied turboprop tariff lines already show 0% duty.