Antifreeze and de-icing fluids from China
Anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids from China, such as engine antifreeze and coolant, screenwash and de-icer sprays, pay 0% UK duty on both lines of heading 3820, with no anti-dumping duty. Glycol coolants need CLP labels, and UK REACH bars screenwash and de-icing fluid with 0.6% or more methanol from sale to the public.
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0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, heading 3820 covers anti-freezing preparations and prepared de-icing fluids, with a separate line for agricultural ethyl alcohol products. Both lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure and no tariff suspension.
Pure ethylene or propylene glycol is a chemical of chapter 29, and de-icing salts such as calcium chloride are covered in our calcium and magnesium chloride guide; only prepared antifreeze and de-icing fluids are 3820, so confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural ethyl alcohol products | 3820 00 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other antifreeze, coolant, screenwash and de-icing fluids | 3820 00 00 90 | 0% | None |
Methanol ban and labels
Entry 69 of Annex XVII to UK REACH prohibits placing methanol on the market for the general public in windscreen washing or defrosting fluids at 0.6% by weight or more, so consumer screenwash and de-icer must use other alcohols. Ask for the full composition, not only the safety data sheet summary.
Ethylene glycol coolants are classified as harmful if swallowed and as causing organ damage through repeated exposure, so they need labels under the retained CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 and a safety data sheet under UK REACH for supply for use at work. Engine coolants are commonly specified to BS 6580, with the vehicle maker's coolant approval where one is claimed.
Specifying antifreeze
Specify the base (ethylene or propylene glycol), inhibitor technology (organic acid, hybrid or silicated), concentrate or ready-mixed, freezing point at the stated dilution, colour, reserve alkalinity, any vehicle maker approval, bottle size and labels; for screenwash and de-icer, the alcohol, freezing point and spray performance.
Worked duty example
Take a hypothetical order of 20,000 litres of glycol coolant concentrate in 5-litre bottles, entered under 3820 00 00 90: £14,000 free on board plus £2,400 of freight and insurance gives a customs value of £16,400. Coolant carry no duty, so import VAT of 20% on £16,400, £3,280, is the only tax. A VAT-registered importer normally reclaims it, so the border adds no lasting cost. Step by step: UK import duty and VAT.
Inspection checklist
Composition: check the glycol content and freezing point with a refractometer, confirm screenwash and de-icer contain less than 0.6% methanol, and compare colour with the sample.
Documents: check the safety data sheet, CLP label, and any BS 6580 or vehicle maker approval reports cover the batch formulation. For lubricant documentation, see our greases and cutting fluids guide.
Packing: check bottle seals and child-resistant caps where required, fill volume, and batch and expiry codes.
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What goes wrong
Antifreeze orders fail on glycol content, inhibitors and methanol. Coolant is diluted so the freezing point is too high, inhibitors are missing and corrode engines, screenwash contains methanol, and labels claim approvals the formulation does not have.
Test freezing point and composition on each batch before shipping. See our quality inspection guide.
Cambridge China Bridge sources antifreeze, screenwash and de-icers for UK motor factors and own-label brands, checking the blender's laboratory first. See factory verification.
Related guides: Sourcing greases and cutting fluids from China.
Related guides: Sourcing brake fluid from China.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on antifreeze from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, antifreeze and de-icing fluids under 3820 00 00 90 carried 0% from China, with no anti-dumping duty.
Can screenwash contain methanol?
Not for the general public at 0.6% by weight or more, under entry 69 of Annex XVII to UK REACH.
Is pure glycol in heading 3820?
No. Pure ethylene or propylene glycol is a chapter 29 chemical.
Which standard covers engine coolant?
BS 6580 is commonly used for glycol-based engine coolants.