Sourcing anaerobic threadlockers from China
Anaerobic threadlocking adhesives from China normally pay 6% UK duty; heading 3506 also contains specialised 0% categories that should not be assumed to cover threadlockers. Confirm applicable GB hazard-label and safety data sheet requirements with HSE for the actual formulation and supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources anaerobic threadlocking adhesives.
Normally 6% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3506 covers prepared adhesives and retail adhesive packs not exceeding 1 kg. The relevant retail and other adhesive lines carry 6% duty from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The retail code appears twice in the table to distinguish removable and permanent grades; these are product choices within the same tariff line.
The supplied tariff lists specialised 0% categories and conditional suspensions, including named products under the residual adhesive codes. These do not establish relief for an ordinary threadlocker. Waste import and export controls are attached to the listed lines. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste. The polymer residual line also carries fluorinated greenhouse gas import controls; ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for the actual formulation, including any waste shipment from China.
Give your broker the formulation, pack net weight and retail presentation to confirm the commodity code. Use the wider glues and adhesives guide for the rest of this heading. Treat the worked order values as illustrative, not a supplier quote.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removable threadlocking adhesive in retail packs not exceeding 1 kg | 3506 10 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Other polymer-based adhesive preparations, subject to formulation | 3506 91 90 99 | 6% | None |
| Other prepared adhesives, where the formulation fits this residual category | 3506 99 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify cure and removal performance
Specify removable or permanent locking, thread material and coating, thread size, assembly gap, viscosity and dispensing method. Agree fixture time, full cure conditions, breakaway torque and continued turning torque on your actual fasteners. Include service temperature, oil exposure and whether an activator is used in the acceptance brief.
Approve a sample on the intended assembly rather than buying by colour or a competitor's grade name. Agree bottle material, nozzle, closure, storage conditions and remaining shelf life on arrival. Confirm applicable English hazard-label and safety data sheet requirements with HSE for the actual formulation and supply. Classification and labelling must be carried out by someone with scientific competence. Check UK REACH registration coverage per substance and legal entity.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of retail bottles of anaerobic threadlocking adhesive under 3506 10 00 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,500. Duty at 6% is £210. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,710, so it is £742. Import taxes total £952; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £210 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the formulation reference, batch markings and technical data against the approved sample; colour alone does not establish the grade.
Cure: test fixture behaviour and removal torque on the agreed fasteners, with the specified surface preparation, temperature and activator conditions.
Bottles: check fill consistency, leakage, nozzle operation and signs of thickening or cured particles; compare production and expiry markings with the purchase specification.
Documents: check the English hazard artwork and safety data sheet match the supplied formulation, and compare batch test results with the agreed acceptance criteria.
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What goes wrong
A grade that works on the supplier's test fasteners may cure differently on your plated or stainless assemblies. Oil residue, a changed gap or an omitted activator can also change performance. Record the complete test setup and repeat it on arrival before releasing the batch.
A permanent grade supplied as removable can make maintenance difficult, while a weak grade may fail the agreed locking test. Leaking bottles and ageing stock can undermine dispensing and consistency. Keep a retained sample and require approval before formula, packaging or grade substitutions.
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 threadlocking adhesive from China?
The relevant retail and other prepared adhesive lines carry 6% duty in the supplied tariff snapshot. Specialised suspensions should not be assumed to cover an ordinary threadlocker.
Can I choose threadlocker strength by colour?
Use colour only as an identification aid. Specify removal behaviour and torque acceptance on your actual thread materials and coatings, then approve a tested sample.
Do imported threadlockers need hazard labels?
Assess the actual formulation before approving artwork.
How should I test a threadlocker delivery?
Check bottle condition and batch identity, then repeat the agreed cure and removal torque tests on the intended fasteners under the approved assembly conditions.