Sourcing bromelain enzymes from China

Zero duty, with a veterinary control to resolve

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3507 covers enzymes and prepared enzymes not elsewhere specified or included. The residual line 3507 90 90 90 is the starting point for bromelain enzymes and their preparations. The table shows product forms under that same line, subject to confirmation of the complete formulation.

For goods from China, this line carries 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed. The UK Trade Tariff attaches a veterinary control. For the specific Chinese formulation, the importer should confirm the requirement with their customs broker before shipping, supplying the source declaration and details of every carrier and processing ingredient.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition, presentation and intended use rather than the supplier's product name alone. For other proteases within the wider heading, see our detergent protease guide.

Specify bromelain activity and intended use

Specify the pineapple material used, extraction process, powder or liquid form, carriers and preservatives. Agree activity units, assay substrate, temperature and acidity, with the same method on the batch certificate and at the receiving laboratory. Set acceptance criteria for moisture, solubility and retained activity during storage.

For food-production use, the food enzyme rules apply. Government guidance says food enzymes covered by assimilated Regulation (EC) No. 1332/2008 do not need approval before use until initial authorisations are made. Confirm the treatment of your bromelain and intended use with the Food Standards Agency before ordering; a supplier's food-grade description does not settle that question.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: bromelain powder in 25 kg packs under 3507 90 90 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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: check the source declaration, formulation and batch reference against the purchase specification, including any carrier substitution.

Activity: test a representative arrival sample using the agreed assay; compare the result with the batch certificate and retained sample.

Condition: check powder for moisture and caking, or liquid for leakage and separation; review storage instructions and any transport temperature records.

Documents: match the certificate, safety data sheet and food-use test results to the delivered batch. Arrange testing and certification support before shipment where needed.

What goes wrong

Activity figures become misleading when laboratories use different substrates or assay conditions. A preparation may contain an undeclared carrier, and transport heat or moisture can leave the delivered material outside the agreed specification. Compare activity using the same method and investigate discrepancies before releasing the batch for use.

A residual tariff code does not resolve food-use questions or the attached veterinary control. Obtain the full formulation before customs clearance. Enzyme powders can also create handling concerns: many enzymes are respiratory sensitisers, so review the safety data sheet and dust handling arrangements before opening packs.

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.