Sourcing vehicle weighbridges from China
Vehicle weighbridges and relevant weighing machinery parts from China carry 0% UK import duty across the selected lines. Confirm the conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements for non-automatic weighbridges used for commercial transactions with Trading Standards. Settle the intended use and installed configuration before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources vehicle weighbridges.
Vehicle weighbridge duty and classification
Heading 8423 covers weighing machinery and its parts. For vehicle weighbridges above 5,000 kg maximum capacity, the tariff distinguishes electronic weighing machinery from other machinery. Parts have separate lines. See the wider weighing scales guide for other products within this heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 18 October 2026, all selected lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Zero customs duty does not mean there is no import VAT.
Confirm the commodity code using the maximum capacity, weighing method and whether the shipment is a complete instrument or separate parts. Do not classify every load cell, indicator or accessory as a weighbridge part without checking its specification.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic vehicle weighbridges, capacity above 5,000 kg | 8423 89 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Non-electronic vehicle weighbridges, capacity above 5,000 kg | 8423 89 80 00 | 0% | None |
| Parts of electronic weighing machinery, including suitable weighbridge parts | 8423 90 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Other weighing machinery parts and weighing machine weights | 8423 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the deck and the installed weighing system
Specify whether vehicles stop on the deck or are weighed in motion, and whether readings determine a commercial transaction. For non-automatic trade use, confirm the applicable conformity assessment requirements under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 with Trading Standards. The metrology marking remains required with either CE or UKCA marking.
Agree maximum capacity, division, accuracy class, usable deck dimensions, axle loading, pit or surface installation, approach layout and drainage. Identify the deck modules, load cells, junction box, indicator, cables and software supplied. Ask for foundation drawings and a clear division of responsibility for unloading, installation and commissioning.
Match the approval documents to the proposed model and load-cell configuration. Agree vehicle identification, gross and tare recording, ticket output, data export and spare-part support. Treat in-motion weighing as a separate specification requiring its own assessment, rather than assuming a stationary weighbridge approval covers it.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A modular electronic vehicle weighbridge, illustrative order under 8423 89 20 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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
Documents and markings: match the instrument, indicator and load cells to the agreed approval documents; check the data plate, capacity, division, accuracy class and metrology marking.
Deck and supports: check module dimensions, welds, coating, bolted joints, load-cell mounts and transport damage against the drawings. Confirm that access for maintenance and drainage matches the installation plan.
Weighing performance: arrange checks with certified test weights across the range, including repeatability, eccentric loading and return to zero after unloading. Record the installed configuration and results through quality inspection.
Cables and records: inspect cable protection, junction-box sealing, indicator operation and the handling of gross and tare readings. Test ticket printing and data export against the agreed workflow.
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What goes wrong
A deck can fit the vehicle yet fail to suit its axle loading or approach layout. Water around load-cell mounts, damaged cables and a deck touching surrounding structures can produce unstable readings. Check clearance and drainage after installation, rather than accepting a factory display demonstration as the complete performance check.
Approval documents may cover a different indicator or load-cell combination. Substituting components without checking the approved configuration can leave the buyer with unresolved trade-use suitability. Record the agreed components before production and compare them with the delivered system.
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 vehicle weighbridges from China?
The selected complete-weighbridge and weighing-parts lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff facts, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Does a vehicle weighbridge used for trade need approval?
Confirm the conformity assessment and metrology marking requirements for non-automatic weighbridges used for commercial transactions under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 with Trading Standards.
Can a stationary weighbridge approval cover weighing in motion?
Do not assume it does. Give the supplier the intended operating method and ask for approval documents covering that instrument and configuration.
What should I check when a weighbridge arrives?
Check deck damage, dimensions, load-cell mounts, component identities, cables and documents. After installation, check drainage, deck clearance, repeatability, eccentric loading and return to zero.