Sourcing barytes and barite powder from China
Natural barium sulphate (barytes or barite) and natural barium carbonate (witherite) from China pay 0% UK duty on both lines of heading 2511, with no anti-dumping duty. Drilling-mud buyers order to the API drilling fluid specification, also published as ISO 13500, with a specific gravity of 4.2 or 4.1; paint, plastics and shielding buyers order on whiteness and fineness.
Natural barytes (barite) lump and powder and witherite from China pay 0% UK duty. Drilling-grade density, fineness and whiteness checks explained.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, heading 2511 covers natural barium sulphate (barytes) and natural barium carbonate (witherite), whether or not calcined, other than barium oxide. Both lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure, no registration and no suspension.
Precipitated barium sulphate and other barium chemicals are in chapter 28 (barium hydroxide is in our magnesium hydroxide guide); confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural barium sulphate (barytes) | 2511 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Natural barium carbonate (witherite) | 2511 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Grades and chemical rules
Drilling-grade barytes is bought to the American Petroleum Institute drilling fluid materials specification, also published as ISO 13500, which sets a minimum specific gravity of 4.2, with a 4.1 grade added in 2010, as well as limits on coarse and very fine particles and soluble alkaline salts. Filler grades for paint, plastics and brake pads are bought on whiteness, BaSO4 content and particle size.
Barytes and witherite are substances under UK REACH, so importers of one tonne or more a year need a registration position, and the safety data sheet follows the retained CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; check the classification of witherite in particular.
Specifying barytes
Specify use and grade, BaSO4 content, specific gravity, particle size or mesh, whiteness for fillers, iron oxide, soluble salts and heavy metals, moisture, and packing in 25 kg bags or 1 tonne bulk bags.
Worked duty example
For a made-up shipment of 100 tonnes of drilling-grade barite powder in jumbo bags under 2511 10 00 00, add the £4,500 of freight and insurance to the £14,000 free-on-board price and customs sees £18,500. Duty on barytes is zero, leaving import VAT of £3,700, 20% of the customs value. For a VAT-registered buyer that is a cash-flow cost rather than a lasting one. The duty and VAT guide walks through the calculation.
Inspection checklist
Analysis: check specific gravity, BaSO4 and fineness on the certificate, and verify a sample in an independent laboratory.
Filler grades: check whiteness and particle size against the approved sample.
Packing: check bulk bag lifting loops, liners, weights and lot marking.
What goes wrong
Barytes orders fail on density and fineness. Specific gravity is below the drilling grade, particles are too coarse or too fine, whiteness varies between lots, and bulk bags split in handling.
Test samples before shipping. See our quality inspection guide.
Cambridge China Bridge sources barytes for UK drilling fluid, paint, plastics and radiation shielding buyers, checking the mill's lab first. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on barytes from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, natural barytes under 2511 10 00 00 carried 0% from China.
What density does drilling-grade barytes need?
The API drilling fluid specification, also ISO 13500, sets a minimum specific gravity of 4.2, with a 4.1 grade added in 2010.
Is precipitated barium sulphate in heading 2511?
No. Precipitated barium sulphate is a chapter 28 chemical.
Does barytes need REACH registration?
Importers of one tonne or more a year need a UK REACH position.