Sourcing bisphenol A diglycidyl ether from China

Duty and the monomer versus resin distinction

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 2910 covers epoxides and related compounds with a three-membered ring. For chemically defined bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, use the residual line 2910 90 00 90 as a classification candidate. Confirm that the supplied material is the defined compound rather than an oligomeric epoxy resin or formulated blend.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for Chinese-origin goods on this line, no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, and no suspension. It attaches an export control for waste. The importer should confirm with their customs broker whether that control has any bearing on the proposed shipment, particularly if the material is recovered or described as waste.

Send the chemical identity, composition, impurity profile and intended use to your broker to confirm the commodity code. The record separately describes an epoxy-resin line, so a supplier's general description of 'epoxy' is insufficient. For wider heading context, see phenyl glycidyl ether.

Specify the defined compound and its impurity profile

Write the full chemical name and agreed identity into the purchase specification. Request an analytical composition showing the main compound, oligomers, residual bisphenol A and residual epichlorohydrin. Agree assay, epoxy equivalent weight, water, hydrolysable chlorine, colour and the methods used. If viscosity is relevant to your process, specify the measurement temperature.

Check UK REACH registration coverage before ordering: importing one tonne or more of a substance annually brings registration responsibilities, unless an applicable only representative arrangement covers the import. GB importers must classify, label and package chemicals before placing them on the market. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of chemically defined bisphenol A diglycidyl ether in sealed drums under 2910 90 00 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £1,410 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,910. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,910, so it is £782. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: compare the drum label, invoice, safety data sheet and batch certificate with the agreed chemical identity and composition.

Analysis: independently check assay, epoxy equivalent weight, water and hydrolysable chlorine against the approved sample using the agreed methods.

Condition: check colour, contamination, damaged closures, leakage and any unexpected change in physical appearance before releasing the lot.

Traceability: match drum batch references to the certificate and retained sample, and check that the hazard information and packaging reflect the importer's classification.

What goes wrong

A supplier can quote a resin grade against a request for the chemically defined compound. An acceptable epoxy equivalent weight alone does not establish identity or purity. Differences in oligomer content, water, chlorine or colour can make the delivered lot unsuitable for the process qualified with the sample.

Require approval before any change of composition or manufacturing source. Hold material with mismatched documents, leakage or failed analysis pending investigation. Use testing and certification support to agree the analytical brief 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.