Sourcing carbomer powder from China

Carbomer normally carries 6% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3906 covers acrylic polymers in primary forms. For carbomer powder, consider the residual line 3906 90 90 90, subject to its composition. The table shows purchasing variants under the same candidate code, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider acrylic polymers guide.

The supplied tariff record gives this line a 6% duty for China and lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Its 0% suspension is restricted to specified products; the supplied description is incomplete, so it does not establish relief for your carbomer. The tariff also attaches import and export waste controls. For waste shipments from China to England under notification controls, destination, dispatch and transit authorities must consent before shipment.

Ask your customs broker to confirm the waste-control requirement for the consignment and any suspension eligibility. Provide the polymer identity, full composition, powder form and intended use when confirming the commodity code. A supplier's grade name alone is insufficient to distinguish carbomer from other acrylic thickeners.

Specify the carbomer grade and gel test

Specify the polymer identity, supplier grade, intended formulation, powder appearance, moisture, residual solvents and monomer, and batch certificate of analysis. Agree viscosity and clarity acceptance criteria using a written preparation method: powder concentration, water quality, neutraliser, final acidity, mixing, temperature and measurement conditions. Test the proposed grade in your actual formula before approving it.

Ask HSE to confirm the UK REACH registration position for the polymer and the obligations for its monomers and additives. Obtain the composition and review the grade's hazard classification. A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for use at work. Keep chemical documentation separate from your formulation performance checks.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial consignment of carbomer powder under 3906 90 90 90, invoiced at £2,600 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,100. Duty at 6% is £186. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,286, so it is £657.20. Import taxes total £843.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £186 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: check the delivered grade, batch references and certificate against the approved sample and purchase specification.

Gel performance: check dispersion, lumps, neutralisation response, viscosity and clarity using the agreed method and your intended formulation.

Batch analysis: check moisture, residual solvent and monomer results against agreed limits; arrange independent testing where those results determine acceptance.

Packing: check seals, liners, contamination, dampness and caking; retain a labelled batch sample before releasing the powder.

What goes wrong

A powder can resemble the approved sample yet give a different gel. Grade substitution or different test preparation can produce misleading viscosity comparisons. Poor dispersion leaves lumps, while the neutraliser, salts or other formulation ingredients can change the result. Compare batches using the same method before adjusting your production formula.

Damaged liners and damp storage can leave caked material that disperses poorly. Quarantine suspect bags and compare their condition and performance with retained samples. A generic certificate or a cosmetic-use claim does not establish that the delivered batch meets your specification.

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.