Sourcing bulk propane from China

Bulk propane duty depends on purity and use

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 November 2026, heading 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. This guide concerns bulk liquefied propane. The tariff separates propane by purity and intended use; bulk delivery alone does not identify the commodity line.

For goods from China, propane of purity not less than 99% used as power or heating fuel carries 8% duty. The other propane lines shown carry 0%. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. This does not remove chemical, transport or workplace obligations.

Give your customs broker the batch composition and actual intended use to confirm the commodity code. Do not select a processing line merely because it carries zero duty. For related products, see the industrial gases and silicon guide.

Specify the gas and the receiving installation

Specify propane content, other hydrocarbons, sulphur, moisture, residue and whether the product is odorised. Agree the test methods, acceptance limits and batch certificate of analysis. State whether the gas is for heating, power or a chemical process, and agree the delivery tank, unloading connections and quantity measurement.

Before a new import into Great Britain, consider whether the substance requires UK REACH registration. Confirm the applicable supplier safety data sheet requirements with HSE. Dangerous goods shipments must travel with a document describing the goods and their nature. Bulk propane storage at a workplace falls under dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres rules; review the receiving arrangements before booking delivery.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of bulk liquefied propane for heating, purity at least 99% under 2711 12 11 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,800. Duty at 8% is £2,064. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,864, so it is £5,572.80. Import taxes total £7,636.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,064 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step. This example assumes the standard rate. Propane supplied for qualifying use, such as domestic heating, takes the reduced rate under HMRC's VAT Notice 701/19; other supplies are standard-rated.

Inspection checklist

Composition: match the batch certificate to the contracted propane content, sulphur, moisture and residue limits; arrange independent analysis where needed.

Tank condition: have the receiving team check tank identity, seals, valve condition and unloading connection compatibility before transfer.

Documents: match the batch, tank and consignee details across the analysis certificate, safety data sheet and dangerous goods transport document.

Quantity: reconcile loading and receipt records using the agreed measurement basis, including any temperature or density correction. See quality inspection explained.

What goes wrong

A propane description without a composition specification leaves room for an unsuitable hydrocarbon blend. Moisture or residue can cause operating problems, while an agreed odorisation condition may be missed. A certificate for a different batch does not establish the quality of the delivered gas.

Delivery can stall when the tank connection, receiving capacity or unloading arrangements have not been agreed. A purity result that crosses a tariff boundary, or fuel use described as another purpose, can also undermine the declared code. Resolve composition and intended use before shipment.

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.