Sourcing washer dryers from China
Washer dryers from China carry 2% UK import duty across the relevant capacity bands, with no trade remedies listed in the tariff snapshot. Confirm with the relevant authority which GB ecodesign requirements apply to the exact mains-operated household model, including built-in machines. Check the exact model's wash-and-dry test data before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources washer dryers.
Washer dryer duty and capacity bands
Heading 8450 covers household or laundry-type washing machines, including machines which both wash and dry. Choose the line using the machine's operation, loading arrangement and dry linen capacity. Ask the factory to distinguish washing capacity from drying capacity rather than quoting a single capacity for both. The table includes complete machines and separately classified washing-machine parts. For portable models, see our guide to sourcing mini washing machines.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, every commodity line in heading 8450 carried 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duties, suspensions or attached import controls. These tariff findings do not replace the product checks needed before sale.
Send the specification and capacity information to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. See washing machines for the wider heading and UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully automatic front-loading washer dryers, dry linen capacity up to 6 kg | 8450 11 11 00 | 2% | None |
| Fully automatic washer dryers, dry linen capacity over 6 kg up to 10 kg | 8450 11 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Washer dryers with dry linen capacity over 10 kg | 8450 20 00 00 | 2% | None |
| Parts classified as washing-machine parts, including for washer dryers | 8450 90 00 00 | 2% | None |
Specify washing and drying performance separately
Specify freestanding or built-in installation, washing capacity, drying capacity, drying system, programme behaviour, cabinet dimensions and door clearance. Agree whether the machine can complete a continuous wash-and-dry cycle with the intended load, and how the instructions explain any need to remove laundry before drying. Ask for measured energy and water use for the exact model.
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the exact mains-operated household washer dryer, including a built-in model, falls under the GB household washing-machine and washer-dryer ecodesign requirements. Ask for the exact model's test reports. A declaration of conformity must be supported by technical documentation. Suppliers must produce energy labels and product fiches with supporting technical documentation that allows their accuracy to be assessed.
Specify UK inlet and drain hoses, a fused BS 1363 plug and clear transit-bolt removal instructions. The importer must ensure the equipment comes with instructions in easily understandable English. Agree access to the pump, door seal and drying components for servicing, and order matching spares. For drum spares, see our guide to sourcing replacement drum paddles. For outer tub spares, see our replacement washer outer tub sourcing guide.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 400 fully automatic front-loading washer dryers with 6 kg dry linen washing capacity under 8450 11 11 00, invoiced at £60,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £66,000. Duty at 2% is £1,320. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £67,320, so it is £13,464. Import taxes total £14,784; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,320 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Wash and dry: run the agreed programmes with representative laundry, record the load used and check cleaning, residual dampness and programme completion.
Water and movement: check inlet connections, door seals, drainage and vibration during spin; inspect the cabinet and drum for transport damage before running.
Electrical records: review earth continuity, electric strength and full-cycle factory records for the supplied model and component configuration.
Documents and packing: match the model identifier across test reports, energy label and product fiche; check English instructions, transit bolts, UK plug and hoses during quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A sample that washes satisfactorily can still leave laundry damp after drying. An unclear capacity claim can encourage a load that the drying programme cannot handle. Test the complete wash-and-dry sequence agreed for the product, and record whether laundry must be removed between stages.
Leaks, noisy bearings, poor spin balance and drain-pump faults also affect washer dryers. Missing transit-bolt instructions can lead to operation with the drum still secured. Do not accept label data or reports for a different model without checking their relevance to the machine being supplied.
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 washer dryers from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 2% across heading 8450, including the relevant washer dryer capacity bands and washing-machine parts, with no listed trade remedies.
Do built-in washer dryers need GB ecodesign compliance?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether the exact mains-operated household washer dryer, including a built-in model, is covered by the GB ecodesign requirements. Ask for test reports for the exact model and matching product information.
Which capacity should I specify for a washer dryer?
Specify washing and drying capacities separately, together with the load and programme used to demonstrate each. Confirm whether the intended load can complete a continuous wash-and-dry cycle.
What should I test before accepting a washer dryer shipment?
Run washing and drying programmes with representative laundry. Check residual dampness, leaks, drainage, spin vibration, transport damage and the match between the machine and its documents.