Sourcing boehmite powder from China

Boehmite duty: 4% base rate, 0% suspension

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2818 covers artificial corundum, aluminium oxide and aluminium hydroxide. Boehmite and pseudoboehmite have a dedicated line, 2818 30 00 30, with 4% base duty and a 0% suspension. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded for that line. The published reference guide gives the suspension end date as 31 December 2028.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches import and export waste controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to material classified as waste. For powder from China, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker if its waste status is uncertain. Do not treat recovered or rejected material as ordinary new powder without checking.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition and physical form. The comparison rows distinguish boehmite from neighbouring hydroxide and oxide lines; they are not alternative boehmite grades. See the calcined alumina guide for the wider heading.

Specify the boehmite phase and dispersion

Specify boehmite or pseudoboehmite, chemical identity, particle size distribution, surface area, moisture and impurity limits. Agree whether the powder is untreated or surface-treated. For coating or binder applications, test dispersion in your actual formulation and agree the preparation method used for acceptance.

Ask for a batch certificate with test methods and retain an approved sample. Check your UK REACH position with HSE, including whether registration is required for your planned annual imports. Before supplying the powder in Great Britain, ensure its labelling and packaging are correct.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of boehmite powder in lined bags under 2818 30 00 30, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,000. Duty at 4% is £240. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,240, so it is £1,248. Import taxes total £1,488; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £240 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the ordered phase and chemical identity to the batch certificate and an independent sample analysis.

Particle size: compare the distribution and agglomeration with the approved sample using the agreed preparation method.

Impurities: check sodium, iron and moisture against the purchase specification, with results tied to the delivered lot.

Packing: check liners, seals, bag weights and batch marks on arrival; isolate wet or damaged bags. Agree sampling through the inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A matching grade name can conceal a different phase, surface treatment or particle distribution. A laboratory dispersion made with a different mixing method may look acceptable while the powder leaves agglomerates in your coating. Make the formulation trial part of sample approval.

Moisture ingress, contamination and certificates that do not match the delivered lot undermine acceptance. Keep affected bags separate and compare retained samples before agreeing a replacement or using the powder.

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.