Sourcing butylated hydroxyanisole from China
Butylated hydroxyanisole from China carries 4% UK duty under the other ether-phenols line. The named suspension on that line does not cover this product. For food manufacture, check the permitted food category and use limit before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources butylated hydroxyanisole.
Duty on butylated hydroxyanisole
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2909 covers ethers, ether-alcohols, ether-phenols and related compounds. Non-blended butylated hydroxyanisole should be checked against 2909 50 00 90, the other ether-phenols line. The table repeats this line for different buying applications; these are not separate tariff classifications.
The supplied tariff snapshot records 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Its suspension names ubiquinol and a different substituted phenol, so it does not cover butylated hydroxyanisole. The line also attaches dangerous-chemical export and waste export controls. Ask your customs broker to confirm their relevance to the transaction, particularly any return shipment or discarded stock.
Give your broker the chemical identity, composition, intended use and supplier analysis before confirming the commodity code. Review blends separately. See the wider ethers guide for other products in this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butylated hydroxyanisole for food manufacture | 2909 50 00 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the BHA grade and intended use
Write butylated hydroxyanisole in full on the order, rather than relying on the abbreviation BHA. Specify food manufacture, industrial formulation or laboratory use. Agree assay, isomer composition, phenolic impurities, metals, appearance and analytical methods. Request a certificate of analysis tied to the production batch, with measured results rather than a generic specification sheet.
For food manufacture, confirm that the intended food category and addition level are permitted before approving the order. An additive appearing on an approved list does not establish permission for every food or dose. Ask the supplier for evidence supporting the proposed food grade and have the batch assessed against the applicable purity specification.
For chemical supply, confirm your UK REACH position using your role and intended use. Food additives have tailored provisions, so avoid treating every application alike. Chemical classification is an importer responsibility. Review the supplier's safety data sheet and the proposed packaging with your adviser before shipment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small batch of non-blended butylated hydroxyanisole in sealed packs under 2909 50 00 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,480. Duty at 4% is £139.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,619.20, so it is £723.84. Import taxes total £863.04; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £139.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the full chemical name and composition across the order, pack labels, safety data sheet and batch analysis. Check that butylated hydroxytoluene has not been substituted.
Analysis: independently check assay and isomer composition, then compare phenolic impurities and metals with the agreed grade. Use testing and certification support to define the laboratory brief.
Condition: examine colour, unexpected odour, contamination and agglomeration against the approved sample. Retain a labelled arrival sample before releasing the batch.
Packaging: check seals, liners, batch identification and evidence of moisture or leakage. Match each pack to the analysis certificate and record damaged packs separately.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
Buying by abbreviation can produce the wrong antioxidant or an undisclosed blend. A satisfactory overall assay can conceal an unsuitable isomer composition or missing impurity results. A supplier's food-grade statement can also lack evidence for the actual batch.
Keep suspect stock separate while identity or analysis discrepancies are resolved. Do not release a food-use batch solely because its customs paperwork cleared. Agree acceptance criteria before production and use the quality inspection guide to organise sampling and records.
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 butylated hydroxyanisole from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot records 4% under 2909 50 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. The named suspension on that line does not cover butylated hydroxyanisole.
Can I use imported butylated hydroxyanisole in any food?
Check the permitted food category and use limit for your formulation. Appearance on an approved additives list does not establish permission for every food or addition level.
What should a butylated hydroxyanisole analysis certificate show?
Ask for batch identification, measured assay, isomer composition, phenolic impurities and metals, with analytical methods and results assessed against your agreed grade.
Is butylated hydroxyanisole the same as butylated hydroxytoluene?
They are different products. Put the full chemical name and composition on the order and match them to the labels and batch analysis before accepting delivery.