Sourcing black fused alumina from China
Black fused alumina below 98.5% alumina pays 4% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy recorded. The wider heading ranges from 0% to 4%, with suspensions restricted by grade. Check chemistry, grain sizing and the UK REACH position before importing. Cambridge China Bridge sources black fused alumina.
Black fused alumina: duty follows the analysis
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2818 covers artificial corundum, aluminium oxide and aluminium hydroxide. Black fused alumina is bought as artificial corundum. The lower-purity fused-grain lines shown carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded on those lines.
Classification depends on aluminium oxide content, the weight share of particles above 10 mm and any specific grain conditions. The higher-purity row is a conditional alternative requiring analysis. Eligible artificial corundum above 98.5% aluminium oxide can receive a 0% suspension; colour alone does not establish eligibility. Confirm the commodity code against the batch chemistry and sizing. For the wider heading, see calcined alumina powder.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For spent or reclaimed abrasive, ask your customs broker to confirm waste status and the applicable route before shipment. For imports into England under notification controls, shipment can begin only after consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved. Confirm the requirements for the actual China shipment rather than treating the tariff control as permission to ship.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other fused grain below 98.5% alumina, under 50% by weight above 10 mm | 2818 10 91 99 | 4% | None |
| Lower-purity fused grain meeting titanium dioxide and off-size tariff conditions | 2818 10 91 91 | 4% | None |
| Fused corundum below 98.5% alumina, at least 50% by weight above 10 mm | 2818 10 99 00 | 4% | None |
| Conditional alternative: other grain at least 98.5% alumina, mostly fine | 2818 10 11 99 | 4% | None |
Specify black grain by chemistry and performance
State the intended polishing, blasting or abrasive-making process and approve a sample in that process. Specify aluminium oxide, iron oxide, silica and titanium dioxide limits, magnetic contamination, grain shape, particle size distribution, bulk density and moisture. Agree the test methods and acceptance limits with the factory. Black colour is only an appearance check.
Ask for batch analysis and a safety data sheet identifying the supplied material. Confirm with HSE how annual imports of one tonne or more affect the UK REACH registration position for this material. Chemical classification is the responsibility of suppliers, including importers. Review the actual composition before supplying the material in Great Britain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of black fused alumina abrasive grain under 2818 10 91 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £20,200. Duty at 4% is £808. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £21,008, so it is £4,201.60. Import taxes total £5,009.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £808 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Chemistry: sample across bags in each batch and compare independent analysis with the agreed composition and batch certificate.
Sizing: check the full distribution, including fines and oversize grains, using the agreed sieve or fine-powder method.
Performance: compare cutting action, finish and breakdown with the approved sample using the same workpiece and process.
Packing: check liners, seals, moisture, bag weights and matching batch marks on arrival. Record findings through the inspection process.
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What goes wrong
A batch can match the approved colour while differing in composition, magnetic contamination or grain distribution. Excess fines change cutting action; oversize grains can mark the workpiece. A sample approved for polishing does not establish performance in blasting or abrasive manufacture.
Wet liners, leaking bags and mixed batch marks make an otherwise usable shipment difficult to accept. Keep the affected bags separate, retain samples and compare the arrival results with the purchase specification before releasing material into production.
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 black fused alumina from China?
The lower-purity fused-grain lines shown carry 4%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. The wider heading has 0% suspensions for specified grades; confirm eligibility from chemistry and classification.
Which commodity code should I use for black fused alumina?
Check aluminium oxide content, the weight share above 10 mm and the specific grain conditions. Grain below 98.5% alumina may fit 2818 10 91 99, but the batch analysis and sizing must support that classification.
What should I ask a black fused alumina factory to test?
Ask for batch chemistry, particle size distribution, magnetic contamination, bulk density and moisture. Trial the grain in your intended process against the approved sample.
Can I import reclaimed black fused alumina as ordinary abrasive?
Ask your broker to confirm waste status and the applicable controls first. Imports into England under notification controls need consent from the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities before shipment.