Sourcing battery separator film from China
Battery separator film from China normally carries 2% UK duty; a narrowly defined suspension can reduce this to 0%. Match the material, dimensions and intended use to the tariff description, and check UK REACH obligations for substances in the film. Cambridge China Bridge sources battery separator film.
Battery separator film duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 8507 covers electric accumulators and their separators. The selected plastic-film separator lines carry 2% duty on goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. Their descriptions distinguish polymer construction, dimensions, pore structure and coatings.
The other plastic-film separator line shows a 0.00 % suspension limited to a named safety reinforced separator for motor vehicle battery manufacture. The supplied suspension description is incomplete: obtain the full conditions before claiming relief. The tariff also attaches an export control of mercury. Confirm its relevance and any clearance requirement with your customs broker; ask the factory for a material and coating declaration.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete specification, rather than the supplier's product name. For cells and assembled packs, see lithium batteries and battery packs.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic acid grafted polyethylene separator film meeting the specified dimensions | 8507 90 31 20 | 2% | None |
| Specified microporous polypropylene or polypropylene/polyethylene separator rolls | 8507 90 31 30 | 2% | None |
| Specified multilayer polyethylene/polypropylene separator foil | 8507 90 31 40 | 2% | None |
| Other plastic-film battery separators, thickness not exceeding 40 micrometres | 8507 90 31 90 | 2% | None |
Specify the separator structure and roll
Specify polyethylene, polypropylene or the agreed layered construction, together with any ceramic coating, binder and surface treatment. Record total thickness, coating thickness, width, roll length, core dimensions and winding direction. Agree pore size, porosity, air permeability, puncture strength and thermal shrinkage test methods and acceptance criteria with the cell manufacturer.
Ask for the identity of additives and coating ingredients. HSE says that importing or supplying articles containing substances on the UK REACH Candidate List may require notification to HSE. Check that question against the actual film composition. Keep the approved sample, batch test results and supplier change agreement together.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order, not a quotation: 10 rolls of microporous battery separator film under 8507 90 31 30, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £12,600. Duty at 2% is £252. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,852, so it is £2,570.40. Import taxes total £2,822.40; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £252 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure width and thickness across the roll and compare them with the purchase specification and batch report.
Surface and edges: inspect for pinholes, particles, creases, torn edges and uneven coating; compare bulk samples with the approved film.
Roll condition: check winding alignment, core damage, declared splices, protective wrapping and signs of moisture or contamination on arrival.
Performance and identity: check batch traceability and agreed pore, puncture and shrinkage results; trial the film on the intended cell production process before releasing bulk stock.
What goes wrong
A matching nominal thickness can conceal a different layer structure or coating. Uneven winding, damaged edges and undeclared splices can interrupt feeding, while contamination and coating variation can undermine cell assembly. Put these checks in the acceptance specification and quarantine rolls that fail them.
A supplier may quote a suspended duty rate without demonstrating that the film meets the named tariff description. Confirm the classification and relief conditions before shipment. Treat changes to polymer, coating or production process as changes requiring your approval and renewed sample evaluation.
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 battery separator film from China?
The selected plastic-film separator lines carry 2% duty. A 0.00 % suspension is shown for a narrowly defined safety reinforced separator under the other plastic-film line; confirm the full conditions before claiming it.
Which commodity code covers battery separator film?
The selected lines are under 8507 90 31 for plastic film not exceeding 40 micrometres. The final code depends on construction and the detailed specification. Use the commodity code guide.
What should I ask a Chinese separator film factory for?
Ask for the polymer and coating specification, roll drawing, batch traceability, agreed test methods and results, and bulk samples for trials on your intended cell production process.
Does UK REACH matter for separator film?
Check the film and coating composition. HSE says importing or supplying articles containing UK REACH Candidate List substances may require notification. Ask for ingredient information before ordering.