Sourcing weighing scales from China
Weighing machinery from China, from kitchen and shop scales to platform scales and checkweighers, pays 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping duty. Scales used for trade, medical weighing or pricing by weight must be approved under the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016, and checkweighers under the measuring instruments rules. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Household, shop, platform and crane scales, checkweighers and weighing parts pay 0% UK duty from China. Trade-use approval explained.
Zero duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, household scales, personal weighing machines, continuous-weighing scales on conveyors, constant-weight and bagging scales, checkweighers, weighing and labelling machines, shop scales, other scales of every capacity, and parts of heading 8423 carried 0% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
Laboratory balances of 5 cg sensitivity or better are in heading 9016; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household scales | 8423 10 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Electronic conveyor scales | 8423 20 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Checkweighers, up to 30 kg | 8423 81 21 00 | 0% | None |
| Weighing and labelling machines for pre-packed goods | 8423 81 23 00 | 0% | None |
| Shop scales | 8423 81 25 00 | 0% | None |
| Electronic scales 30 to 5,000 kg | 8423 82 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Other parts and weights | 8423 90 90 00 | 0% | None |
Scales used for trade
Regulation 3 of the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016 covers scales used for commercial transactions, pricing by weight in direct sales to the public, weighing patients in medicine, making up prescriptions and several legal and laboratory uses. Those scales need conformity assessment by an approved body and the metrology marking. Checkweighers and other automatic weighing instruments are listed in Schedule 1 of the Measuring Instruments Regulations 2016.
Household and fitness scales are outside these rules but must be safe and, with batteries, meet battery and WEEE rules.
Specification
Specify capacity, division, accuracy class, platform size, display, units and power. For trade scales, ask which certificate covers the model and check the marking on the sample.
Inspection
At inspection, check readings with certified test weights across the range, repeatability and corner loading.
Cambridge China Bridge sources household, shop and industrial scales and checkweighers, with trade approval and accuracy settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on scales from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, weighing machinery of heading 8423 carried 0% duty from China.
Do shop scales need approval?
Yes. Scales used for pricing by weight or trade must meet the Non-automatic Weighing Instruments Regulations 2016, with conformity assessment and metrology marking.
Do bathroom scales need approval?
No, household scales are outside the trade rules, but they must be safe and meet battery and WEEE rules.
Are laboratory balances in heading 8423?
No. Balances of 5 cg sensitivity or better are in heading 9016.