Sourcing windscreen wiper arms from China

UK duty on windscreen wiper arms

Heading 8512 covers vehicle lighting and signalling equipment, windscreen wipers, defrosters, demisters and their parts. Separate replacement wiper arms belong within the other-parts category, subject to confirming the exact product. The table shows arm variants sharing the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity classifications.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, the other-parts line 8512 90 90 00 carries 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control for this line. Suspensions for other products within the heading do not extend to this parts line.

Give your broker drawings, photographs and a description of the supplied arm, including whether a blade or other components are included. Confirm the commodity code before shipment. See the wiper blades guide for related wiper products.

Spindle fit, arm geometry and spring pressure

Specify the vehicle application, driving position, front or rear location and fitting side. Provide a drawing and approved sample showing arm length, offset, bend, spindle bore or spline, fixing arrangement and blade connector. Agree whether the nut, cap, washer nozzle and hose clips are included.

Agree the material, coating, spring pressure, hinge movement and corrosion test method with the factory. Fit samples to the intended vehicle with the intended blade. Check clearance through the sweep and at the parked position, including bonnet clearance and washer delivery where the arm carries a nozzle.

Businesses importing consumer products are responsible for their safety. The MOT inspection manual requires windscreen wipers to continue operating automatically when switched on. Use fitted operation checks alongside dimensional inspection when approving the arm.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5,000 replacement wiper arms for an aftermarket parts wholesaler under 8512 90 90 00, 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

Mounting: compare the spindle interface and fixing seat with the approved drawing; check that the fitted arm stays secure during operation.

Geometry: check length, offset, fitting side and parked position; operate the fitted assembly on wet glass and check for contact with surrounding bodywork.

Spring and hinge: compare blade pressure with the approved sample; check smooth lifting, return movement and secure blade attachment.

Finish and packing: check coating coverage around bends and joints, rust, sharp edges and transit distortion. Match carton labels and vehicle applications to the order at inspection.

What goes wrong

An arm can resemble the original but have the wrong spindle interface or offset. It may loosen, park incorrectly or strike surrounding trim. A different spring or bend can leave the blade lifting away from the glass. Approve fitted samples for each application rather than accepting a broad compatibility list.

Coating defects around the hinge and spring can allow corrosion, while packing pressure can bend the arm before arrival. Keep an approved sample and agreed drawings for comparison. Separate suspect batches and investigate the fit or finish problem before releasing them for sale.

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.