Sourcing Bath Bombs from China
Bath bombs from China under 3307 30 00 00 carry 6% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. For sale in Great Britain, confirm the cosmetics safety assessment, product information file, notification and UK-established Responsible Person requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources bath bombs.
UK duty on bath bombs
Heading 3307 includes bath preparations alongside shaving products, deodorants and other toilet preparations. Bath bombs fall within the bath-preparation line 3307 30 00 00, subject to confirmation against their composition and intended use. The table shows product variants sharing that line. See the bath salts guide for wider bath-preparation coverage.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, the bath-preparation line carries 6% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. It attaches an export control of mercury; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to the transaction. Import VAT is 20%.
Confirm the commodity code using the full formulation, product description and intended use before agreeing the import declaration.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scented bath bombs | 3307 30 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify the formula, fizz and moisture barrier
Agree the full quantitative formula, fragrance, colourants, oils and decorative inclusions before approving samples. Establish whether the factory will disclose the formula confidentially to your safety assessor. For Great Britain sales, confirm with the relevant authority what UK-established Responsible Person arrangements, safety assessment, product information file and notification are required before placing the product on the market.
Specify unit weight and tolerance, shape, hardness, fragrance against a retained sample, dissolution behaviour and acceptable residue. Test the actual product in a bath for colour release, staining and oily deposits. Agree individual wrapping, seals and carton cushioning, then check that the packaging protects the product from moisture.
Avoid designs resembling sweets or cakes: cosmetic presentation must prevent confusion with food. Approve the label against the assessment, including ingredients, batch identification, function, warnings, durability information and the Responsible Person's details.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 200 individually wrapped bath bombs, illustrative only under 3307 30 00 00, invoiced at £600 free on board, with £200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £800. Duty at 6% is £48. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £848, so it is £169.60. Import taxes total £217.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £48 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Condition: inspect for cracks, crumbling, swelling, damp patches and fragrance changes against the retained sample.
Bath performance: compare fizz, dissolution, colour release and residue with the approved sample under agreed test conditions.
Packing: check individual seals, moisture protection, cushioning and whether movement inside the gift box damages the surface.
Documents and labels: match the batch to the approved formulation and records; check ingredient text, batch identification, warnings and Responsible Person details against approved artwork.
What goes wrong
Moisture can trigger premature fizzing, soften the surface and leave a product that barely reacts in the bath. Rough handling can turn an intact factory sample into cracked retail stock. Trial the actual wrapping and carton arrangement rather than approving appearance alone.
Changing fragrance, colourants or decorative inclusions after approval can leave the safety paperwork describing a different product. Require approval before substitutions and have changes reviewed by the safety assessor. Keep the approved formula, artwork and retained sample together for repeat orders.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on bath bombs from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 6% duty under 3307 30 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Confirm the code for your formulation.
Do private-label bath bombs need a Responsible Person?
Confirm with the relevant authority whether your cosmetic bath bombs need a UK-established Responsible Person for sale in Great Britain, and whether an importer selling under its own brand should take that role or appoint a qualifying person.
What formula information should the factory provide?
Obtain the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor, not just the retail ingredient list. Agree confidential disclosure before committing to production.
How do I check bath bombs before shipment?
Compare production samples with the approved sample for damage, fragrance and bath performance. Check seals and cushioning, and match batch records and labels to the approved formula.