How to export disinfectants from the UK to China

Confirm the route for your disinfectant

For disinfectants and sanitisers under HS 380894, the Chinese tariff subheading is 38089400. Have the importer confirm the requirements for the specific product and intended sales route before committing stock. GACC Decree 280 covers overseas food producers, processors and storage enterprises, so its food-manufacturer registration does not apply to these disinfectants.

HMRC recorded £11.1m of UK goods exports to mainland China under HS 380894 in 2025 (2024: £13.4m, -17%). Exports to Hong Kong under the same codes were £2.9m. January to July 2026: £4.5m against £7.0m in the same months of 2025 (-35.1%).

Build duty and VAT into the offer

Chinese line 38089400 has an MFN duty rate of 9%. The VAT Law sets a standard import VAT rate of 13%, subject to its exceptions. Import VAT uses the customs value plus customs duty plus any applicable consumption tax. The importer’s customs adviser confirms the applicable VAT treatment and whether consumption tax applies to the disinfectant. These amounts increase landed cost and shape the price the importer can offer.

Match the UK code and export paperwork

Within UK exports to mainland China under HS 380894 in 2025, the largest UK line was 38089490, covering disinfectants put up for retail sale or as preparations or articles, at £9.0m. Classify your own formulation and packaging rather than adopting that line simply because it accounts for the largest export value.

Exports from England, Scotland and Wales require a GB EORI and an online export declaration. For the disinfectant shipment, prepare the commodity code, value, weight, packaging, destination, transport details, and invoice and packing list references. The carrier needs the invoice and any export licences or certificates required for the shipment.

Check the cross-border retail exclusions

Chinese code 38089400 is on the cross-border e-commerce retail import list, excluding veterinary disinfectants and goods in the seventh catalogue of prohibited imports. Eligible retail imports through bonded 1210 or direct 9610 channels are supervised as personal-use articles, without first-import licence, registration or filing requirements. Exceptions cover goods from epidemic areas where imports are suspended and emergency handling of major quality and safety risks.

The overseas business retains primary responsibility for product quality and safety. It must appoint a mainland-registered company to register with customs, declare truthfully and share civil liability. Establish that arrangement before using this route for the disinfectant.

Consumers must accept a risk notice before ordering: origin-country standards may differ from Chinese standards, goods may lack Chinese labels, and a Chinese electronic label can be viewed online. Purchases are for personal use and cannot be resold. The limits are RMB 5,000 per transaction and RMB 26,000 annually per person.

Find and check the Chinese importer

Ask a prospective importer to explain how it would classify your disinfectant, confirm product requirements and calculate landed cost. For a cross-border proposal, check that it addresses the veterinary and prohibited-import exclusions, the mainland company’s responsibilities and the restriction on resale.

Our own staff in China find and check Chinese importers and distributors for UK brands. If an importer has already approached you, our staff in China check that company before stock is sent or anything is signed. See our export-to-China service.

We prepare registration and label work with licensed partners in China. Regulated roles stay with licensed partners in China, including the importer of record and, for cross-border retail, the required agent. The brand’s own filings stay the brand’s. We check product requirements with licensed partners.