Sourcing acrylic polymers and PMMA from China
Acrylic polymers in primary forms from China, such as PMMA granules, acrylic resins and emulsions and superabsorbent polymers, mostly pay 6% UK duty with no anti-dumping duty. A few listed grades, including some PMMA sheet specifications, have 0% suspensions, and food contact grades need 10/2011 evidence. Cambridge China Bridge sources acrylic polymers for moulders.
PMMA granules, acrylic resins and superabsorbents from China mostly pay 6% UK duty, with listed 0% suspensions. Grades, tests and a worked example.
Mostly 6%, with listed suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, poly(methyl methacrylate) in primary forms (3906 10) and other acrylic polymers (3906 90) carried 6% on goods from China on most lines, with no anti-dumping measure. A few specialised copolymers listed by chemistry carry 0%.
Suspensions matter here. On 3906 10 00 00 a 0% suspension runs to 30 June 2027 but applies only to PMMA sheets with a tensile strength over 50 MPa and up to 100 MPa and a thickness over 0.5 mm and up to 35 mm, with or without a UV layer; on the residual line 3906 90 90 90 it covers only a listed polyacrylamide powder and a listed transparent acrylic polymer, and several named copolymers have whole-line suspensions to the end of 2028. Ordinary granules, resins and superabsorbents pay 6%. Finished acrylic sheet is covered in our plastic film and sheet guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly(methyl methacrylate) | 3906 10 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Superabsorbent polymers, insoluble in water | 3906 90 90 17 | 6% | None |
| Aqueous acrylic dispersion, listed composition | 3906 90 90 60 | 0% (suspended to 2028) | None |
| Other acrylic polymers | 3906 90 90 90 | 6% | None |
Grades, food contact and REACH
PMMA moulding and extrusion grades are bought on melt flow rate (ISO 1133-1), Vicat softening temperature (ISO 306), tensile properties (ISO 527) and light transmission and haze (ASTM D1003); resins and emulsions on solids content, viscosity, glass transition temperature and residual monomer. Put the grade and test values in the product specification.
Grades used for food contact must meet [retained Regulation (EU) No 10/2011](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2011/10/contents), so ask for a declaration of compliance and migration results for the grade. Polymers themselves are not registered under [UK REACH](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-comply-with-reach-chemical-regulations), but the importer should check the obligations for the monomers and additives they contain, and emulsions need a safety data sheet.
Worked duty example
Take a hypothetical order of 25 tonnes of PMMA moulding granules, entered under 3906 10 00 00: £45,000 free on board plus £2,600 of freight and insurance gives a customs value of £47,600. The 6% duty on PMMA granules comes to £2,856, and import VAT is 20% of £50,456, which is £10,091.20. If you are VAT-registered you normally reclaim the £10,091.20, leaving £2,856 as the real cost at the border. Step by step: UK import duty and VAT.
What goes wrong
Acrylic polymers fail on grade, clarity and moisture. Melt flow drifts from the approved grade so parts short-shot or flash; recycled or off-grade material brings yellowing, black specks and lower light transmission; PMMA granules take up moisture in transit and splay on moulding; and emulsions separate, skin or freeze in cold storage.
Test melt flow and Vicat on each lot against the certificate of analysis, mould or cast test pieces and check clarity, colour and specks, measure moisture and dry granules before use, check solids, viscosity and stability on emulsions, and inspect bags and drums for damage and contamination before release.
Cambridge China Bridge sources PMMA and acrylic polymers for moulders, extruders and coating makers, including a second supplier alongside an existing source. See how we add a second supplier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on PMMA granules from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 September 2026, poly(methyl methacrylate) of 3906 10 00 00 carried 6% from China. The 0% suspension on that line covers only listed PMMA sheets.
Are superabsorbent polymers suspended?
No. Superabsorbent polymers of 3906 90 90 17 carried 6% from China.
How do I check a PMMA grade matches the sample?
Test melt flow rate by ISO 1133-1 and Vicat by ISO 306 on each lot, and mould test pieces to check clarity.
Do acrylic polymers need UK REACH registration?
Polymers themselves are exempt, but the importer should check the monomers and additives they contain.