Sourcing blown rapeseed oil from China
Blown rapeseed oil from China normally pays 6% UK duty; the listed biodiesel blends extend the range to 7.70%, with 54.64% residual anti-dumping duty. Confirm composition and assess chemical classification before supply in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources blown rapeseed oil.
Duty on blown rapeseed oil
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 1518 covers chemically modified oils, including blown oils, and inedible oil mixtures and preparations. Unblended blown rapeseed oil is a candidate for 1518 00 91 80, carrying 6% duty on goods from China. That line lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The table distinguishes the unblended oil from composition-dependent alternatives.
The listed modified-oil biodiesel blend lines carry 7.70% ordinary duty and 54.64% residual anti-dumping duty. Confirm the exporter and blend composition before using them. Other inedible vegetable oil preparations under 1518 00 99 90 carry 6%, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. Do not apply the separate used-cooking-oil suspension to blown rapeseed oil. For wider heading context, see blown castor oil.
The selected lines attach veterinary, CITES and waste import controls; the modified-oil lines also attach seal-product controls. Confirm their application and declaration documents with your customs broker using the actual ingredients and waste status. For waste imports into England under notification controls, the exporter must seek consent from the dispatch country's competent authority. Keep evidence of non-waste status where relevant. Confirm the commodity code from composition, processing and intended use.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blown rapeseed oil, without biodiesel | 1518 00 91 80 | 6% | None |
| Modified rapeseed oil blends containing 20% or less biodiesel | 1518 00 91 33 | 7.7% | 54.64% residual anti-dumping |
| Modified rapeseed oil blends containing more than 20% biodiesel, other | 1518 00 91 29 | 7.7% | 54.64% residual anti-dumping |
| Other inedible vegetable oil preparations containing rapeseed oil | 1518 00 99 90 | 6% | None |
Specify viscosity and the rapeseed oil composition
Specify rapeseed oil as the feedstock, the blowing process, intended coating or lubricant application, and every added oil, solvent or additive. Agree viscosity at a stated test temperature and method, acid value, iodine value, moisture, insoluble matter and colour. Record acceptance limits in the purchase specification and retain an approved sample.
Before a first import of the substance, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Substances and mixtures supplied in Great Britain must be classified and labelled under its chemical classification, labelling and packaging rules. Obtain the substance identity, composition and safety data sheet for the actual blown grade, rather than paperwork for ordinary edible rapeseed oil.
Ask for a declaration covering animal-derived ingredients and seal-derived material. Seal products can only be imported and sold in limited cases where strict conditions are met. If the declaration reveals such material, confirm eligibility with your broker before ordering.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of blown rapeseed oil for a lubricant blender under 1518 00 91 80, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 6% is £1,950. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £34,450, so it is £6,890. Import taxes total £8,840; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,950 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Most food for human consumption is zero-rated, and animal feed can be too, in which case no import VAT is due, so check the rate for your product in HMRC's VAT Notice 701/14.
Inspection checklist
Batch properties: compare the batch certificate with the agreed viscosity method, test temperature, acid value, moisture and colour; independently test a retained sample.
Process performance: trial the delivered grade in your coating or lubricant formulation and check mixing, flow and any settling against the approved sample.
Packing: check drum cleanliness, seals, leaks, corrosion and batch identification; examine arrival samples for water, sediment or separation.
Documents: match the invoice, batch certificate, composition declaration and safety data sheet to the same grade and lot. Plan sampling through our inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
A viscosity result without its test temperature or method cannot be compared reliably with your specification. Excessive thickening, sediment or water can make a batch unsuitable for the intended formulation. A supplier may also substitute another vegetable oil or add a thinner without updating the description.
Classification problems arise when a formulated blend is described simply as blown rapeseed oil, or biodiesel content is omitted. Unclear waste status can leave the importer without the relevant shipment documents. Hold the batch for analysis and document review before releasing it 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 blown rapeseed oil from China?
Unblended blown rapeseed oil is a candidate for 1518 00 91 80 at 6%. Listed modified-oil biodiesel blends carry 7.70% ordinary duty plus 54.64% residual anti-dumping duty.
Does blown rapeseed oil need UK REACH registration?
Consider whether the actual substance requires registration before a first import. Obtain its identity and composition; assess the blown grade rather than relying on documents for edible rapeseed oil.
What should I specify for blown rapeseed oil?
State feedstock, additives, application, viscosity with test temperature and method, acid value, iodine value, moisture, insoluble matter and colour. Agree limits and retain an approved sample.
Do I need waste import documents for blown rapeseed oil?
The tariff attaches waste controls. Establish whether the shipment is waste and confirm documents with your broker. For notified waste imports into England, the exporter must seek consent in the dispatch country.