Sourcing benzophenone from China
Benzophenone from China has 4% standard UK duty, with a suspension giving qualifying material 0%, so the applicable range is 0% to 4%. Mixtures are excluded from that suspension. Before selling in Great Britain, check chemical labelling, packaging and UK REACH responsibilities. Cambridge China Bridge sources benzophenone.
Benzophenone duty and suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 18 October 2026, heading 2914 covers ketones and quinones and their specified derivatives. Benzophenone, CAS 119-61-9, with purity by weight of 99% or more falls under 2914 39 00 35. The table separates crystal and powder purchase specifications under the same code and includes related benzophenone derivatives.
The standard duty for Chinese-origin benzophenone is 4%, with an autonomous suspension at 0.00 %. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products containing different components. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. It also attaches “Export control - Waste”; confirm its relevance with your customs broker, particularly for waste or returned material.
Confirm the commodity code against chemical identity, purity and composition before claiming the suspension. The related methylbenzophenone line also has a suspension; the other oxygen-functional ketone line limits its suspension to named substances, including the specified dihydroxybenzophenone. See the wider ketone guide for other products in this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzophenone crystals, purity by weight of 99% or more | 2914 39 00 35 | 4% | None |
| 4-Methylbenzophenone | 2914 39 00 60 | 4% | None |
| Other oxygen-functional ketones, including dihydroxybenzophenone | 2914 50 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify benzophenone identity and grade
State benzophenone and CAS 119-61-9 explicitly. Specify the assay method, acceptable impurity profile, water content, colour, physical form and packaging. Require a batch-specific certificate of analysis and agree how an independent laboratory will assess the delivery. Treat methylbenzophenone and hydroxy derivatives as separate chemicals, rather than interchangeable grades.
For a new Great Britain import arrangement, establish the UK REACH registration position before ordering: HSE states that importing a substance at or above one tonne per year requires registration. Everyone in the supply chain must ensure correct chemical labelling and packaging before placing substances or mixtures on the Great Britain market.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot order: one tonne of benzophenone in sealed packs under 2914 39 00 35, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £21,500. Duty at 4% is £860. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £22,360, so it is £4,472. Import taxes total £5,332; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £860 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the chemical name and CAS identity across the order, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet and pack labels.
Assay: test a representative batch sample against the agreed purity, impurity, water and colour specifications; retain a comparison sample.
Packaging: inspect seals, liners and closures for damage, moisture entry or contamination; record pack and batch identifiers.
Consistency: compare delivered physical form and dissolution behaviour with the approved sample under the same test conditions.
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What goes wrong
A description such as “benzophenone photoinitiator” can conceal a blend or a different derivative. That creates a specification dispute and can invalidate a suspension claim. Ask for the complete composition before accepting a quote, rather than relying on the trade name.
A certificate from a sample batch does not establish the quality of the delivered batch. Discolouration, unexpected impurities, damp material and damaged liners are reasons to hold stock for investigation. Agree sampling, acceptance criteria and corrective action before shipment.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For repeat volumes, see container programmes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on benzophenone from China?
The standard duty is 4%. Benzophenone of 99% purity by weight or more has a 0.00 % suspension under 2914 39 00 35. The suspension excludes mixtures and preparations.
Does benzophenone need UK REACH registration?
For a new import arrangement into Great Britain, HSE states that importing a substance at or above one tonne per year requires registration. Establish the applicable registration position before ordering.
Is methylbenzophenone the same as benzophenone?
No. Specify the chemical identity explicitly. The tariff lists 4-methylbenzophenone separately under 2914 39 00 60; do not accept it as a substitute without reviewing your application.
What should I test when benzophenone arrives?
Check identity, assay, impurity profile, water and colour against the agreed specification. Match results to the delivered batch and inspect seals and liners.