Sourcing vehicle headlamp units from China
Ordinary vehicle headlamp units from China carry 2% UK duty; narrowly defined goods can qualify for 0% suspensions. For road-use dipped beams, check the applicable approval marking and specify a unit designed for the vehicle and traffic direction. Cambridge China Bridge sources vehicle headlamp units.
Headlamp duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 8512 covers vehicle lighting and signalling equipment, alongside wipers, defrosters and demisters. Ordinary complete headlamp units fall under 8512 20 00 90; headlamp parts can fall under 8512 90 90 00. The complete-unit rows show different products sharing the same code. Separate bulbs and light sources are outside this heading.
Both selected codes carry 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no attached import controls for these codes. The complete-unit code also lists 0.00 % suspensions for narrowly described goods, including a lighting module, and a specified fog lamp under authorised use. These are conditional descriptions, not a general exemption for headlamps; confirm an exact match before claiming relief.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete assembly specification and distinguish separately supplied parts and light sources. See the wider vehicle lights and horns guide for the rest of the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete halogen vehicle headlamp units | 8512 20 00 90 | 2% | None |
| Parts of vehicle headlamp units | 8512 90 90 00 | 2% | None |
Specify beam direction and vehicle fit
Give the factory the vehicle model, body variant, mounting drawing, connector pin-out and lamp position. State whether bulbs, drivers, ballasts and levelling motors are included. Specify the light-source technology, operating voltage range, lens material, housing seals and packaging protection. Fit a sample to the target vehicle before approving production.
For passenger cars first used on or after 1 April 1986, the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 require the obligatory dipped-beam headlamp to carry an approval mark or British Standard mark. Such dipped-beam lamps must be designed for driving on the left-hand side of the road. Obtain approval evidence for the exact supplied model and specify functioning beam adjustment.
Complete replacement units manufactured with LED or HID light sources are treated differently in the MOT manual from halogen housings converted with replacement bulbs. They still have to meet the other applicable inspection requirements. Discuss the evidence needed through testing and certification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 1,000 complete halogen headlamp units under 8512 20 00 90, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £43,000. Duty at 2% is £860. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £43,860, so it is £8,772. Import taxes total £9,632; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £860 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity and approval: compare model references, lens and housing markings, and approval documents with the approved sample. Check that the supplied light source matches the unit design.
Beam and adjustment: fit sampled units and check dipped and main beams on a beam setter. Compare the cut-off and traffic direction with the approved specification, then exercise the adjusters and levelling motors.
Sealing and finish: check lens joints, rear covers, vents and connector seals. Run the agreed water and temperature tests, then inspect for water ingress, condensation, cracks and coating damage.
Fit and electrics: check mounting tabs, connector pin-outs and included modules. Power samples across the specified vehicle voltage range and check flicker, dashboard warnings and radio interference. Use an inspection brief that records these 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 headlamp can fit the bodywork yet have the wrong dipped-beam direction or an incompatible driver. Weak mounting tabs crack in transit, poorly sealed rear covers admit water, and heat damages drivers or reflectors. A copied approval mark does not establish that the supplied unit matches an approved design.
Keep the fitted sample, approval documents and component specification together. Compare bulk samples with that record before shipment and repeat fit, function and damage checks on arrival. Agree how the supplier will handle changed connectors, substituted modules and failed sealing tests.
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 vehicle headlamp units from China?
Ordinary complete units under 8512 20 00 90 carry 2% duty. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Any suspension needs an exact match to its description and conditions.
Do replacement headlamps need approval marks?
For passenger cars first used on or after 1 April 1986, obligatory dipped-beam headlamps need an approval mark or British Standard mark. Check the evidence for the exact unit supplied.
Can complete LED replacement headlamps pass the MOT?
Complete units manufactured with LED light sources are not failed merely for light-source incompatibility. They must still meet the other applicable MOT requirements; this differs from putting LED bulbs into halogen housings.
What should I check before ordering headlamp units?
Check vehicle fit, traffic direction, approval evidence, connectors, included modules, beam adjustment and sealing. Fit and power a sample on the target vehicle before accepting the production specification.