Sourcing ultrasonic water meters from China
Ultrasonic water supply meters and their identifiable parts from China carry 0% UK duty throughout the relevant tariff lines. For regulated uses, confirm with the relevant authority the applicable conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources ultrasonic water meters.
Zero duty on ultrasonic water supply meters
Heading 9028 covers gas, liquid and electricity supply or production meters and their parts. Ultrasonic water supply meters fall within the liquid-meter line, 9028 20 00 00. The table separates product configurations sharing that code. Identifiable water-meter parts and accessories fall within 9028 90 90 00; a separate flow sensor or data logger may belong elsewhere.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 October 2026, both relevant lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.
Confirm the commodity code against the meter's function and the description of any separately supplied parts. See the wider meter guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cold-water supply meters | 9028 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Identifiable parts and accessories for water meters | 9028 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the water path and ultrasonic measurement
Agree whether the meter measures cold or heated water, its pipe connection, installation length, mounting orientation, pressure and temperature range, and minimum through overload flow performance. Specify the wetted body, seals and transducer materials. Ask for the installation instructions, including any straight-pipe conditions, and approve a sample in the intended orientation.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the intended use falls under the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016 and which conformity assessment and conformity and metrology markings apply. Match the certificate to the exact model and accuracy class. Check drinking-water materials evidence as described in the wider meter guide. For remote reading, agree the receiving equipment, message format, displayed units and battery arrangements, then demonstrate the complete connection.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 domestic ultrasonic water meters; illustrative order, not a quotation under 9028 20 00 00, invoiced at £45,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £47,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £47,000, so it is £9,400. 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 and evidence: match the model, serial numbers and accuracy class to the certificate and ordered specification. Check the applicable CE or UKCA marking and the supplementary metrology marking. The metrology marking remains required with either conformity marking.
Measurement: sample meters on a calibrated water bench at minimum, transitional, permanent and overload flows. Record results against the agreed acceptance criteria and check that the local display agrees with the remote reading.
Water path: inspect connections, seals and wetted materials against the approved sample. Run the agreed pressure and leak checks, and confirm that the supplied drinking-water materials evidence covers the components used.
Electronics and packing: test display readability, battery status, communications and tamper features. At inspection, check connector protection, sealed enclosures and serial-number traceability through the cartons.
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What goes wrong
A meter can read normally at a steady flow yet perform poorly at low flow. Incorrect mounting, trapped air or installation conditions outside the supplier's instructions can make results unreliable. Test the approved sample under the intended conditions, and compare production samples with it.
A certificate for a similar model can conceal a changed transducer, water-path material or electronic assembly. Remote readings can also use a different unit or fail to reach the buyer's receiver. Agree the component specification and communications demonstration before ordering, and investigate mismatches before accepting the shipment.
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 ultrasonic water meters from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% duty for liquid meters under 9028 20 00 00 and identifiable water-meter parts under 9028 90 90 00, with no listed trade remedies.
Do ultrasonic water meters need conformity assessment?
For uses covered by the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016, confirm with the relevant authority which conformity assessment and conformity markings apply. The metrology marking remains required with either CE or UKCA marking. Match the evidence to the exact model.
What should I test before buying ultrasonic water meters?
Check accuracy across the agreed flow range, mounting conditions, leaks, display and remote readings. Match wetted materials and connections to the approved sample.
Does a radio-equipped water meter need extra checks?
A meter with a radio link is radio equipment. Check the applicable radio-equipment requirements separately, and demonstrate communication with your intended receiver.