Sourcing alkyl polyglucosides from China
Alkyl polyglucoside surfactants from China normally carry 4% UK duty; a specified aqueous glycoside grade may qualify for 0%. Check UK REACH registration needs and detergent rules for the intended use, then verify active content against the approved sample. Cambridge China Bridge sources alkyl polyglucoside surfactants.
4% duty, with conditional suspension relief
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents other than soap, and surface-active, washing and cleaning preparations. For alkyl polyglucoside raw material, consider the other non-ionic agents line, 3402 42 00 90. The preparation rows apply only where the supplied formulation and presentation fit their descriptions; they are not interchangeable codes for the same concentrate.
The selected lines carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures recorded. The raw-material line lists a 0% suspension including D-glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides, CAS 68515-73-1, in aqueous solution with stated purity by weight of 60% to 65%. Its footnote excludes mixtures, preparations or products made up of different components containing these products. Confirm the complete conditions before claiming relief; the supplied suspension extract ends mid-text.
The bulk surface-active preparation line also lists chemically specific suspension conditions; its extract is incomplete, so do not assume relief for an alkyl polyglucoside blend. The raw-material line attaches import and export waste controls. For waste subject to notification, dispatch, destination and transit authorities must consent before shipment. Confirm waste status and the China-to-UK requirements with your customs broker. Confirm the commodity code using composition, use and packaging; see hand dishwashing liquids for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkyl polyglucoside surfactant raw material, non-ionic | 3402 42 00 90 | 4% | None |
| Other bulk surface-active preparations containing alkyl polyglucosides | 3402 90 10 90 | 4% | None |
| Retail surface-active preparations containing alkyl polyglucosides | 3402 50 10 00 | 4% | None |
| Bulk washing or cleaning preparations containing alkyl polyglucosides | 3402 90 90 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the alkyl polyglucoside grade
Specify chemical identity, alkyl-chain distribution, active content, water content, residual fatty alcohol, colour, odour and viscosity at an agreed test temperature. State the acidity or alkalinity test method and dilution, rather than accepting an unexplained result. Agree storage conditions, packaging compatibility and a retained approval sample. Trial the concentrate in your own formulation to check dissolution, foam, clarity and compatibility with salts and fragrance.
For a new imported substance, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. The Detergents Regulation establishes technical requirements for detergents and surfactants for detergents in Great Britain. For detergent use, request biodegradability reports identifying the supplied grade. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet; for hazardous formulations, confirm applicable classification, labelling and packaging requirements with HSE.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 18 drums of alkyl polyglucoside concentrate without suspension relief under 3402 42 00 90, invoiced at £4,500 free on board, with £1,168 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,668. Duty at 4% is £226.72. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,894.72, so it is £1,178.94. Import taxes total £1,405.66; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £226.72 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the batch certificate, composition statement, safety data sheet and drum labels describe the same grade and batch.
Concentration: test active content using the agreed method; compare water content and residual fatty alcohol with the purchase specification.
Performance: compare colour, odour, viscosity and dissolution with the retained sample under the same test conditions, then trial the buyer's formulation.
Packaging: check net contents, closures, leakage, contamination and batch traceability before releasing stock.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A concentrate can look similar to the sample while having lower active content or a different alkyl-chain distribution. The buyer then needs more material, or finds that foam, thickening and clarity change in the finished formulation. Residual fatty alcohol can also affect odour and appearance. Agree the test methods before ordering and compare each delivered batch with the approval sample.
A supplier's generic glycoside description can conceal a blend or a grade outside the suspension wording. Check identity and composition before budgeting for relief. Leaking closures and poorly recorded batches make arrival disputes harder to resolve; retain samples and follow the quality inspection guide.
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 alkyl polyglucosides from China?
Normally 4% under 3402 42 00 90. A specified aqueous decyl octyl glycoside grade may qualify for a 0% suspension. Confirm the full conditions before claiming relief.
Does every alkyl polyglucoside grade qualify for zero duty?
No blanket relief is recorded. The suspension names a particular chemical identity and purity range, and excludes mixtures or preparations containing the named products.
What should I ask the factory to test?
Ask for active content, water content, residual fatty alcohol, colour, odour and viscosity using agreed methods. Trial dissolution, foam and clarity in your own formulation.
Do imported alkyl polyglucosides need UK REACH registration?
For a substance you have not previously imported, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Confirm the identity and registration position before ordering.