Sourcing amino silicone fluids from China

6% for ordinary amino silicone fluids

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3910 covers silicones in primary forms. Ordinary amino silicone fluids should be checked against 3910 00 00 90, “Other”. The table shows application variants within that same tariff line, rather than separate commodity lines. See the wider silicone guide.

The China duty is 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure shown. The line has 0.00 % suspensions for specified platinum-catalysed addition-curing liquid mixtures, fluorosilicone intermediates and methacrylate-ended siloxanes, subject to their descriptions and exclusions. Ordinary amino silicone fluid is not named. Confirm the commodity code using the composition and supplied form.

The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. Confirm their application with your customs broker, particularly for reclaimed material. For imports into England subject to waste notification controls, the exporter in China must apply to the competent authority there for consent. Ask your broker to confirm the remaining shipment requirements before dispatch.

Specify amine value and finishing performance

Specify the amino functionality, amine value and its test method, viscosity at an agreed temperature, active content, water content, colour and volatile content. State whether you want neat fluid or a diluted formulation. Ask the factory to identify any carrier, additive or emulsifier rather than accepting a trade name as the specification.

For textile finishing, compare softness, absorbency and yellowing on your own fabric after the intended drying and curing process. For emulsification, trial your intended emulsifier and water quality, checking separation and compatibility with the rest of the formulation. Keep an approved sample for comparison with production lots.

Check UK REACH registration responsibilities for monomers and additives, as explained in the importer guide. GB chemical classification rules apply to importers supplying the GB market. A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for workplace use. Request grade-specific hazard information before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of amino silicone fluid in sealed drums under 3910 00 00 90, invoiced at £17,000 free on board, with £1,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,400. Duty at 6% is £1,104. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,504, so it is £3,900.80. Import taxes total £5,004.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,104 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the drum grade, batch number and certificate of analysis to the approved specification.

Analysis: verify amine value, viscosity, active content, colour and volatile content against agreed limits and methods.

Performance: test a retained arrival sample in your actual finishing or emulsification process before releasing the batch.

Packing: check seals, leakage, contamination and remaining shelf life against the supplier’s storage instructions. Use the inspection guide to brief the inspector.

What goes wrong

Similar viscosity does not establish equivalent amino functionality. A substituted grade may change softness, yellowing or absorbency. Dilution can alter active content while leaving the product looking similar. Emulsification problems may only appear with your water, mixing procedure or other ingredients.

Agree acceptance tests before production and compare arrival samples with the approved sample. Investigate changes in colour, odour, separation or performance before blending the shipment into existing stock. Keep batch records so that a failed formulation can be traced to its incoming fluid.

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.