Core Units & Surcharge

On some components we may offer parts on a “core exchange” basis.
That means you:

• pay a refundable core surcharge (deposit) when you buy the part, and
• get that deposit back when you send us your old unit (“core”) in rebuildable condition within a set time.

This is standard practice in the truck and heavy-duty remanufacturing industry: core deposits encourage customers to return used parts so they can be remanufactured instead of scrapped, keeping prices down and supporting sustainability.

1. What is a “core” and why is there a surcharge?

A core is your old, used unit that is still suitable for remanufacturing – for example an engine, turbo or steering box that is worn or failed, but fundamentally complete and rebuildable.

A core surcharge (also called a core deposit):

• is an extra amount added to the invoice when you buy the replacement unit;
• is refunded when your old unit is returned in acceptable condition;
• helps us maintain a stock of rebuildable cores, which:
  • reduces waste and energy use compared to manufacturing new castings from raw material,
  • makes high-value reman parts more affordable than brand-new components. 

Think of it like a bottle deposit: you pay a bit more up front, bring the empty back, and get that part refunded. 

2. Which parts may have a core surcharge?

We only apply a core surcharge to specific, clearly marked products – typically items that are:

• high value,
• technically complex, and
• commonly remanufactured in the commercial vehicle industry.

Examples of typical core-eligible part types (illustrative, not exhaustive):

• Engines & long blocks
• Gearboxes / transmissions & some major drivetrain units 
• Turbochargers
• Steering gears / steering racks & pumps
• Power steering pumps, brake calipers and some air brake / air processing units
• Some fuel injection pumps / diesel injection equipment

On each product page where a core surcharge applies, you will see:

• the core surcharge amount,
• short wording indicating that the part is sold on a core-exchange basis, and
• any special notes for that part type (e.g. “old unit must be complete with actuator”).

If a listing does not mention a core surcharge, then no core deposit is required for that item.

3. How the core surcharge is paid

When you order a part with a core surcharge:

• your basket will show:
  • Part price
  • Core surcharge
  • Total = part + core
• you pay the total at checkout, just like any normal order;
• on your invoice, the core surcharge is identified as a separate line, so your accounts team can see exactly what belongs to the deposit.

For VAT-registered customers:

• the core surcharge will usually be treated like any other taxable part sale (subject to standard 20% VAT where applicable), in line with how UK guidance treats deposits and advance payments for taxable supplies. 
• when we refund the core deposit, we will issue a credit note for the deposit and its VAT element.

For full VAT and invoicing details, see our Payment & VAT page.

4. How to return your old core

Once your new part is fitted, your old unit becomes the core.

Step-by-step

1. Keep the packaging from the replacement part.
   • Many core programmes require using the original box or frame to protect the unit in transit.
2. Prepare the core
   • Drain oil, coolant and fuel as far as reasonably possible, following environmental and safety rules.
   • Plug or cap any open ports to prevent leaks and contamination.
3. Check it’s complete and like for like
   • Same part type and OEM number as the unit you bought (no swapping a different model). 
   • Still assembled, not stripped for spares.
4. Package securely
   • Put the core in the original packaging or equivalent strong box;
   • Use padding so the casing won’t be cracked in transport;
   • Include any paperwork we have provided (RMA/core reference).
5. Send it back within the time window
   • Unless the product page says otherwise, we expect cores to be returned within 30 days of delivery of the replacement unit.
   • 30–45 day windows are typical in the remanufacturing and truck parts industry. 

Details of where to send the core and any reference numbers will be provided after purchase or on the invoice.

5. Core condition requirements

To protect the quality of remanufactured parts, most core programmes – including ours – only give full credit if the returned unit is in rebuildable condition.

To qualify for a full core refund, your old unit should:

1. Match the part purchased
   • Same type, same general design, and normally the same OEM number (or documented equivalent).
2. Be complete and assembled
   • No missing major components (e.g. no missing housings, actuators, shafts, major brackets).
3. Have no critical external damage
   • No cracks or holes in the main casing;
   • No severe impact or fire damage;
   • Threads, shafts and key mounting points intact, not broken or heavily welded.
4. Not be heavily corroded or “scrap-only”
   • Normal surface rust is fine;
   • But heavy corrosion that makes the part unusable for remanufacturing may prevent full credit.
5. Be drained and safely packaged
   • No free oil, coolant or fuel sloshing in the box;
   • Packaged so it is not re-damaged during transport.

These criteria are closely aligned with the core acceptance guidelines used by major remanufacturers in Europe and the heavy-duty sector. 

6. When the core deposit may be reduced or not refunded

After we receive the core, we inspect it. Core deposits in the wider industry are conditional: credit depends on the core meeting acceptance criteria.

We may reduce or decline the refund if:

• the core is not like-for-like (different part type, model or OEM number);
• the unit is incomplete (important components missing or stripped);
• the main housing is cracked, broken, heavily welded or otherwise not rebuildable;
• the core arrives after the stated return window (for example after 30–45 days, depending on the product);
• the unit is so contaminated or damaged that it would be treated as waste rather than a remanufacturable core under typical core management standards.

In such cases we will usually:

• inform you of the result of the inspection, and
• either return the unrebuildable core to you (if requested, freight at your cost) or arrange responsible disposal.

7. Core return deadlines & refund timing

Time window to return a core

• Unless stated otherwise, cores must be returned within 30 days of receiving the replacement part.
• Industry examples show windows between 30 and 45 days, and up to 12 months in some OEM programmes, but shorter windows are common for independent traders.

We may occasionally extend this period for fleet or trade buyers by prior written agreement (e.g. where vehicles are off-site).

How long refunds take

Once we:

1. receive the core,
2. log it against your order, and
3. confirm that it meets our acceptance criteria,

we aim to process the core deposit refund within 7–14 days.

This is in line with many core programmes that allow time for inspection and accounting before crediting the customer’s card or account.

Refunds are normally made via the original payment method, and you will receive an invoice credit note for your records.

8. Who pays for core return shipping?

Unless we explicitly state otherwise on the product page or in writing:

• You are responsible for arranging and paying the shipping cost to send the core back to us.

Many core programmes place return freight with the buyer, while some offer pre-paid labels for certain products or regions.

Where we do agree to provide a pre-paid label or collection, this will be confirmed in writing and may only apply within specific areas (for example mainland UK).

9. Environmental & legal notes

Because cores often contain residual oil, fuel or coolant, returning them safely is important:

• Follow local rules on draining and packaging used components to avoid leaks and environmental contamination.
• Many core management programmes explicitly confirm that accepted cores are not “waste” under environmental law, provided they are reused as part of a remanufacturing loop.

By returning your core, you help keep metal and material in circulation instead of scrap, which is recognised as one of the most sustainable forms of recycling in the automotive sector.

10. Quick core checklist

Before sending your old unit back, ask yourself:

1. Is this the same part type and OEM number as the one I bought?
2. Is it complete and assembled, not stripped?
3. Is the casing intact – no cracks, holes or heavy weld repairs?
4. Have I drained fluids and capped ports?
5. Am I sending it back within 30 days (or my agreed window)?
6. Is it packed safely, ideally in the original box or frame?

If you’re unsure whether your old unit will qualify for full core credit, contact us with photos before shipping – we can often give you an indication based on visible condition and part numbers.