Sourcing bulk propane-butane LPG from China
Bulk LPG propane-butane mixtures from China carry 0% UK duty on the selected mixture-related lines; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 8%. Before sale in Great Britain, arrange competent hazard classification and correct labelling and packaging. Cambridge China Bridge sources bulk LPG propane-butane mixtures.
Duty on bulk LPG mixtures
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. This guide concerns bulk liquefied propane-butane mixtures. The table gives candidate lines to check against the actual composition and intended use, rather than a single code for every blend. See bulk propane for the wider heading.
The selected lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls in the supplied tariff record. Across the heading, duty ranges from 0% to 8%; the 8% line concerns propane of at least 99% purity for power or heating fuel. Importing or using fuel may also create Fuel Duty liability, so check the intended use with HMRC.
Give your customs broker the batch composition, physical state and intended use before confirming the commodity code. Do not choose a propane or butane line solely from the supplier's product name. The import duty and VAT guide explains the customs calculation; a customs-duty figure does not settle other fuel taxes.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquefied propane, purity above 90% and below 99%, other purposes | 2711 12 94 00 | 0% | None |
| Other liquefied propane, other purposes | 2711 12 97 00 | 0% | None |
| Other liquefied butanes, other purposes | 2711 13 97 00 | 0% | None |
| Other liquefied petroleum gases and gaseous hydrocarbons | 2711 19 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the blend and bulk delivery
Specify the propane and butane proportions and whether the composition is stated by mass or volume. Identify any other hydrocarbons and agree acceptance limits for sulphur, water, non-volatile residue and vapour pressure at an agreed test temperature. Record the intended burner or process, operating conditions and whether the gas is odorised.
Request a certificate of analysis linked to the loading batch and an English safety data sheet describing the supplied blend. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet, including bulk supplies. Classification and labelling must be handled by someone scientifically competent; settle correct labels and packaging before supply in Great Britain.
Before ordering, agree the transport tank, previous-cargo and cleaning records, discharge connections, receiving-tank compatibility and who will arrange specialist sampling and unloading. Bulk LPG storage is subject to the workplace dangerous-substances and explosive-atmospheres rules. Confirm the receiving site's arrangements before dispatch.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of bulk propane-butane mixture in a suitable transport tank, subject to confirmation of classification under 2711 19 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,800, so it is £1,160. 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
Batch identity: match the loading record, transport tank identification, seals and certificate of analysis to the order.
Composition: have a specialist take a representative sample for independent checking of the propane-butane proportions and agreed impurity limits.
Quantity and condition: reconcile loading and delivery weights; have the receiving operator check valves, connections and signs of leakage before transfer.
Documents: compare the safety data sheet with the batch analysis and agreed hazard information. Resolve discrepancies before accepting the gas. See quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
An order described simply as LPG leaves the blend undefined. A changed propane-butane proportion can alter vapour pressure and performance in the buyer's equipment. Confusing mass proportions with volume proportions also creates disputes. Specify the measurement basis and require batch results rather than accepting a generic analysis.
Water, residue or previous-cargo contamination can make an otherwise acceptable blend unsuitable. Delivery can also fail when the receiving operator cannot accept the tank connections or gas specification. Resolve these points before loading, and avoid treating a generic safety data sheet as proof of batch quality.
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 bulk LPG mixtures from China?
The selected mixture-related lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff record. Heading 2711 ranges from 0% to 8%; confirm the blend's code from its composition and use.
Which commodity code applies to a propane-butane mixture?
Have your broker assess the full composition and intended use against the propane, butane and other liquefied-gas lines. The name LPG alone does not identify the correct code.
Does bulk LPG need a safety data sheet?
Yes. HSE says hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet, whether packaged or supplied in bulk. Request a sheet matching the actual blend.
What should I specify before ordering a bulk LPG blend?
Specify propane-butane proportions, mass or volume basis, impurities, vapour pressure test conditions, odorisation and intended equipment. Agree the receiving site's acceptance and discharge arrangements.