Sourcing 2-Ethylhexanol from China
2-Ethylhexanol from China carries 4% UK duty under the other octanol-isomers line, with no suspension or trade remedy recorded. For Great Britain, check UK REACH registration coverage and chemical classification, labelling and packaging before supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources 2-Ethylhexanol.
Duty on 2-Ethylhexanol
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2905 covers acyclic alcohols and their specified derivatives. For 2-Ethylhexanol, the relevant line is 2905 16 85 00, other octanol and its isomers, carrying 4% duty on goods from China. The supplied record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The table repeats this line for different packing formats.
The tariff record attaches an export control for waste. This is labelled as an export measure, rather than a routine import requirement for fresh chemical stock. Official guidance for England says waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. If offered recovered or waste material, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirement before shipment.
Confirm the substance identity, composition and commodity code before ordering. Do not confuse 2-Ethylhexanol with the separately listed octan-2-ol. See the n-butanol guide for another alcohol within the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Ethylhexanol in drums | 2905 16 85 00 | 4% | None |
Specify identity, water and impurity limits
Write 2-Ethylhexanol on the purchase specification and require matching substance identification on the batch certificate and safety data sheet. Agree assay, water, acidity, colour and related-alcohol limits, with the test methods and acceptance criteria stated. Specify whether you will accept recovered material, and agree container material, closure type and batch traceability.
For imports into Great Britain, businesses importing a given substance at one tonne or more each year have UK REACH registration responsibilities. Confirm whether the importer or an appointed representative covers the supply. Importers must arrange competent classification and labelling, and check correct packaging before placing chemicals on the market. A safety data sheet is required for hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative drummed trial consignment of 2-Ethylhexanol under 2905 16 85 00, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £670 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,170. Duty at 4% is £166.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,336.80, so it is £867.36. Import taxes total £1,034.16; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £166.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the order, batch certificate, safety data sheet and container labels to the same substance and batch.
Composition: test a representative arrival sample for assay, water, acidity and related alcohols against the agreed specification.
Condition: check colour, suspended material, closure seals, leaks and evidence of container contamination.
Documents: reconcile batch quantities and test results; review classification, labels, packaging and registration coverage before releasing stock.
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What goes wrong
An order described only as octanol leaves room for the wrong isomer. A generic certificate can also hide a mismatch between the approved sample and delivered batch. Water, residual alcohols or contamination from reused containers can make material unsuitable for the buyer's process. Keep a retained sample and hold disputed stock pending investigation.
A factory's paperwork does not establish that your import is covered by UK REACH. Resolve registration responsibility and chemical supply documentation before dispatch. Agree how failed batches will be sampled, investigated and replaced before paying the balance.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on 2-Ethylhexanol from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% under 2905 16 85 00, with no suspension, anti-dumping duty or countervailing duty recorded.
Does 2-Ethylhexanol need UK REACH registration?
For Great Britain, importing a given substance at one tonne or more each year brings registration responsibilities. Confirm whether your import is covered through your registration or an appointed representative.
What should I test before accepting a batch?
Check substance identity, assay, water, acidity, colour and related alcohols against your agreed specification. Match the results to the delivered batch.
Can I rely on the Chinese factory's chemical labels?
Review them before supply. The Great Britain importer must check classification, label accuracy and appropriate packaging; competent classification and labelling arrangements are required.