Sourcing bauxite and aluminium ores from China
Aluminium ores from China, including bauxite and refractory or abrasive grades of calcined bauxite, pay 0% UK duty on the single line of heading 2606, with no anti-dumping duty. Value depends on alumina content and iron and titanium impurities, so assay independently. Natural ores not chemically modified are exempt from UK REACH registration.
Bauxite, calcined bauxite and other aluminium ores and concentrates from China pay 0% UK duty. Grades, REACH ore exemption and inspection explained.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, heading 2606 covers aluminium ores and concentrates, and its single line carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. Bauxite, including calcined bauxite used in refractories, abrasives and proppants, is usually declared here.
Aluminium oxide produced chemically, such as calcined or fused alumina, is heading 2818 (see our fused alumina guide), and shaped refractories are chapter 69 (see our refractory bricks guide), so confirm the commodity code with the producer's description.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium ores and concentrates, including bauxite | 2606 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
REACH, dust and transport
Point 7 of Annex V of UK REACH, retained Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, exempts minerals, ores and ore concentrates that occur in nature and are not chemically modified from registration. Whether a calcined grade still qualifies depends on the process, so ask the producer for its REACH position and safety data sheet.
Bauxite dust matters for the user's workplace risk assessment, and bulk shipments need moisture control, so agree the packing (bulk bags or bulk) and moisture limits.
Specifying bauxite
Specify use (refractory, abrasive, proppant, cement), Al2O3 content, limits for Fe2O3, TiO2, SiO2, CaO and MgO, bulk density and apparent porosity for refractory grades, particle size ranges, moisture, packing and the sampling and assay method.
Worked duty example
For a made-up shipment of 100 tonnes of refractory-grade calcined bauxite in bulk bags under 2606 00 00 00, add the £6,000 of freight and insurance to the £40,000 free-on-board price and customs sees £46,000. Duty on calcined bauxite is zero, leaving import VAT of £9,200, 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
Assay: sample each lot and test alumina, iron, titanium and silica by an independent laboratory against the grade ordered.
Physical: check bulk density, porosity and particle size distribution for refractory grades, and moisture for all grades.
Packing: check bulk bags for strength, liners and labelling, and containers for dryness.
What goes wrong
Bauxite orders fail on alumina content, impurities and moisture. Alumina falls below the grade, iron or titanium oxide is too high for the refractory use, particle sizes drift, and wet material cakes in bags.
Assay independently, set physical limits for refractory grades, and check packing. See our quality inspection guide.
Cambridge China Bridge sources calcined bauxite for UK refractory, abrasive and foundry users, checking the producer's kilns and laboratory first. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on bauxite from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, aluminium ores and concentrates (2606 00 00 00) carried 0% from China.
Is calcined alumina in the same heading?
No. Chemically produced aluminium oxide is heading 2818.
Does bauxite need REACH registration?
Natural ores not chemically modified are exempt under Annex V; check the position for calcined grades.
What decides the grade?
Alumina content and limits on iron, titanium and silica, plus bulk density for refractory grades.