Sourcing BOPP packaging film from China
The BOPP-specific line supplied for this guide carries 6% UK duty from China, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. This rate covers the described thin multilayer film, not every BOPP grade. Food-contact film needs a declaration of compliance; confirm any migration-testing requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources BOPP packaging film.
6% for the listed thin multilayer BOPP film
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3920 covers non-cellular plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip that are not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. The supplied BOPP-specific line, 3920 20 21 50, describes multilayer biaxially oriented polypropylene film with total thickness not exceeding 14 micrometres.
That line carries 6% duty for goods from China. Its supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control. The table shows buying applications sharing this single line, subject to the film matching its full description. The extract's mono-axial polypropylene lines concern different products; their suspensions do not establish relief for BOPP.
Confirm the commodity code using the polymer, orientation, total thickness and layer construction. The supplied extract cannot establish the rate for other BOPP grades. For the wider heading, see BOPET polyester film. Use UK import duty and VAT when comparing landed costs.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multilayer BOPP film, not more than 14 micrometres, for wrapping | 3920 20 21 50 | 6% | None |
Specify the BOPP grade and converting process
Specify plain or heat-sealable film, transparent or opaque appearance, layer construction, thickness tolerance, width, core dimensions and winding direction. State which face will be printed or bonded, the required surface treatment, slip performance and acceptable roll joints. Agree seal performance against your own packing machine and product rather than accepting a generic packaging-grade description.
For food contact, obtain a declaration of compliance and migration results for the actual film. Give the supplier the food type, contact time and temperature so the evidence can be checked against intended use. See food contact materials.
For Plastic Packaging Tax, establish whether further substantial modification occurs before packing or filling. Confirm with HMRC whether cutting or sealing alone qualifies. A substantial modification is a manufacturing process that changes the nature of the component. See Plastic Packaging Tax. Separately assess whether the packaging you supply or import creates producer obligations; see packaging producer responsibility.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of multilayer BOPP packaging film on rolls under 3920 20 21 50, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,500. Duty at 6% is £150. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,650, so it is £530. Import taxes total £680; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £150 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Gauge and width: measure thickness across unwound sample rolls, check slit width and compare roll weight with the agreed specification.
Surface and converting: check the treated face, print or bond adhesion, friction and heat-seal performance where specified. Run an approved sample on the intended machine.
Winding and transit: check roll edges, telescoping, blocking, crushed cores and moisture damage on arrival. Record joints and inspect unwound film for gels, scratches and contamination.
Documents and identity: match roll labels, batch references and grade to the order and food-contact evidence where applicable. Keep retained samples and use a written inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A sample converts well but production rolls vary in thickness, friction or treatment. Ink lifts, laminate bonds fail, film sticks during unwinding or seals open. Agree measurable acceptance criteria and approve the actual production grade before shipment.
Buyers also mistake coextruded multilayer film for a finished laminate, apply a mono-axial film suspension to BOPP, or assume all imported rolls are unfinished for packaging tax. Record the layer construction and subsequent processing. Food-contact reports for another grade leave the purchased film's suitability unresolved.
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 BOPP film from China?
The supplied BOPP-specific line, 3920 20 21 50, carries 6%, with no listed trade remedy or suspension. It covers the described multilayer film up to 14 micrometres; confirm other grades separately.
What documents do I need for food-contact BOPP?
Obtain a declaration of compliance and migration results for the actual grade. Check that the evidence addresses your intended food, contact time and temperature.
Does BOPP roll film attract Plastic Packaging Tax?
It can. Establish whether the component is finished and whether registration applies. Confirm with HMRC whether cutting or sealing alone counts as a substantial modification; record any later printing or lamination.
What should I check before accepting BOPP rolls?
Check thickness across the width, surface treatment, friction, winding and core condition. Trial print adhesion and sealing where relevant, and match batch labels to the approved grade.