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LandedCost
Landed-cost guide

Importing LED lighting from China to the UK

Everything you need to land LED lighting profitably — duty rates, VAT, HS codes, typical freight and the hidden costs most importers miss. Last reviewed 15 July 2026.

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Quick answer

The typical duty rate for LED lighting (HS 9405.11) imported to the UK is 2%, plus 20% import VAT — paid at the border by default, unless postponed via PVA.

Duty rate2%
Import VAT20%
HS code9405.11

Importing LED lighting at a glance

Primary HS code9405.11
Duty rate (the UK)2%
Import VAT20%
Typical lead time25–35 days door-to-door
Typical freight modeSea (LCL) / air for samples
Key complianceUKCA or CE, EMC & safety test reports, WEEE registration

Rates shown are indicative, not live tariff data — last reviewed 15 July 2026. Always confirm your commodity code and the current rate on the official UK Trade Tariff before shipping.

A worked example: landing LED lighting

Illustrative order for this category and lane. All figures in USD.

Sample order — 500 unitsLanded cost
Goods (FOB)$10,000
Freight & insurance$1,200
Duty (2%)$224
Import VAT (20%)$2,285
Total landed$13,709
Landed cost / unit$27.42

Import VAT is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA, in which case VAT-registered importers declare and reclaim it on the same VAT return.

Costs to watch when importing LED lighting

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Conformity and safety testing
Mains-voltage luminaires need safety and EMC compliance evidence (Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the EMC Regulations 2016) behind a UKCA or CE mark — CE is accepted for the GB market indefinitely. Market-surveillance sweeps target lighting heavily — paperwork gaps get products pulled.
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WEEE producer obligations
Importing electricals makes you the 'producer' for WEEE purposes: registration, reporting and financing recycling. It is a real recurring cost, not a formality.
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Lithium batteries in emergency fittings
Emergency luminaires with battery packs trigger dangerous-goods rules for air freight and separate battery regulations. Ship by sea where possible.
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Driver and warranty failures
LED drivers are the usual failure point. Negotiate a spare-driver allowance (2–3%) into the PO instead of shipping warranty replacements later.

Importing LED lighting — FAQ

What is the UK duty rate on LED lighting from China?
LED luminaires under HS 9405.11 typically carry 2% UK MFN duty (4% for fittings of plastic or ceramic) plus 20% import VAT — these figures are indicative, so verify the current rate for your commodity code on the official UK Trade Tariff. Components and drivers imported separately can classify — and be taxed — differently.
Do LED lights need UKCA marking?
Luminaires placed on the GB market need a UKCA or CE mark — CE is accepted indefinitely — backed by safety and EMC test evidence, plus a UK-established responsible person on the label.
How is import VAT paid on a lighting shipment?
20% import VAT on customs value plus freight plus duty, paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA if you are UK VAT-registered.

Related guides

Importing kitchenware from China →Importing toys from China →9405.11 duty rate explained →
— Importing LED lighting

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