Sourcing calcium hydride powder from China
Calcium hydride powder from China carries 4% UK duty under the residual hydride line, with no applicable suspension shown. For Great Britain, check UK REACH arrangements and chemical classification and labelling before supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources calcium hydride powder.
Calcium hydride powder: 4% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2850 covers hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, excluding compounds which are also carbides. Calcium hydride powder falls within the residual hydride and nitride description under 2850 00 20 90. The table shows purchasing variants within this same commodity line. See the wider heading guide.
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The suspension on this line names particular lithium aluminium hydride solutions and titanium nitride, not calcium hydride. The tariff also attaches import and export waste controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste; if importing discarded or recovered material from China, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker before shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the composition and supplied form, especially if the supplier offers a preparation rather than calcium hydride powder. Import VAT is normally 20%; see UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium hydride powder for laboratory use | 2850 00 20 90 | 4% | None |
Specify calcium hydride content and powder size
Specify calcium hydride content, acceptable impurities, particle size distribution and the test methods. Ask the factory to distinguish measured batch results from its general product specification. Agree sealed packaging, pack size, batch identification and a certificate of analysis matching each supplied lot.
Metal hydrides react with water. Agree sampling and packing arrangements with the receiving laboratory and carrier before ordering. For Great Britain, arrange UK REACH registration or only representative coverage where required. Substances and mixtures placed on the Great Britain market must be classified and labelled under its chemical classification and labelling rules; obtain the safety data sheet where required.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of calcium hydride powder; illustrative FOB value and freight under 2850 00 20 90, invoiced at £15,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £17,000. Duty at 4% is £680. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £17,680, so it is £3,536. Import taxes total £4,216; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £680 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the product name, batch identifiers and certificate of analysis to the purchase order.
Analysis: arrange suitable independent testing of calcium hydride content, agreed impurities and particle size against the specification.
Packaging: check seals, closures and containers for damage or evidence of moisture exposure before arranging controlled sampling.
Documents: check the English safety data sheet, chemical labels and agreed transport documents against the actual material. Use the inspection guide to organise the checks.
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What goes wrong
A certificate stating only a nominal grade leaves the actual batch quality unclear. Powder size can differ from the approved sample, while damaged closures undermine protection from moisture. Check batch-specific evidence and packaging before releasing the shipment.
Do not assume that every hydride benefits from the suspension shown against the residual line. Calcium hydride is not named. Settle chemical compliance, transport classification and the receiving site's handling arrangements before dispatch.
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 calcium hydride powder from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% under 2850 00 20 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Calcium hydride is not named in the suspension.
Does calcium hydride powder need UK REACH registration?
For Great Britain, confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration or coverage through an only representative is required for your substance and annual import volume. Consult the wider heading guide when preparing your questions.
What should a calcium hydride powder specification include?
State calcium hydride content, impurity limits, particle size distribution, test methods and sealed packaging. Require batch-specific analysis rather than a general grade declaration.
How should I check calcium hydride powder on arrival?
Check batch identity, certificates, seals and container condition. Agree controlled sampling with a suitable laboratory because metal hydrides react with water.