Sourcing X2 capacitors from China

0% UK duty on X2 film capacitors

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 8532 covers fixed, variable and adjustable electrical capacitors and their parts. Paper or plastic dielectric fixed capacitors fall under 8532 25 00 00. The X2 film capacitor formats in the table all share this commodity line.

The supplied tariff data records 0% duty for goods from China on every line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the dielectric and the goods actually supplied against the commodity code guide. For related film capacitor purchasing, see the DC-link film capacitor guide.

Specify the X2 class and the exact approved part

Specify mains interference suppression use, X2 safety class, capacitance, tolerance, rated alternating voltage, dielectric, temperature range and expected operating environment. Include body dimensions, lead pitch, lead diameter, lead forming and packing format. Order against the manufacturer's complete part number and an agreed datasheet.

Ask for safety approval records that identify the manufacturer, series, supplied rating and construction. OPSS has identified unapproved capacitors fitted across the mains as a short-circuit risk in a recalled product. Match approval records to the actual component markings and proposed application.

Government guidance places component parts sold business to business outside the Great Britain hazardous-substance regulations, while requiring the finished assembly placed on the market to comply. Obtain part-specific material declarations and supporting records for that assessment. Agree any humidity and endurance testing with the buyer's engineer before production.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 10,000 X2 interference suppression capacitors under 8532 25 00 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £300 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,300. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,300, so it is £1,860. 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

Identity: compare manufacturer, full part number, X2 marking, voltage rating and batch labels with the approved sample and approval records.

Electrical checks: sample each lot for capacitance and dissipation factor against the datasheet. Have a suitable laboratory perform agreed insulation and withstand tests.

Fit and condition: check body dimensions, lead pitch and forming, cracked encapsulation, loose leads and damaged packing.

Records: match safety approval documents, material declarations and inspection results to the delivered parts and batch. Set the sampling brief using the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A supplier substitutes an ordinary film capacitor with the same capacitance, supplies a different voltage or temperature grade, or sends approval paperwork for another series. Check the complete part identity before accepting a proposed replacement.

Other rejection points include lead spacing that misses the board holes, cracked encapsulation and capacitance outside the agreed tolerance. Resolve discrepancies against the approved sample and datasheet before releasing the batch for assembly.

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.