Sourcing carbon molecular sieves from China
Carbon molecular sieves classified as other activated carbon carry 0% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy shown in the supplied tariff data. Waste shipped under notification controls needs consent before shipment; confirm whether those controls apply to your material. Cambridge China Bridge sources carbon molecular sieves.
Zero duty on other activated carbon
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, heading 3802 covers activated carbon, activated natural mineral products and animal black. For carbon molecular sieves supplied as activated carbon, consider 3802 10 00 90, subject to confirmation of composition and processing. The table shows applications of this same candidate code, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the wider activated carbon and filter aids guide.
The supplied data shows 0% duty for Chinese goods under this code, no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, and no suspension. It attaches import and export waste controls. For material shipped as waste under notification controls, consent from the relevant dispatch, destination and transit authorities is needed before shipment. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for the exact material and route, particularly for spent media or returns.
Confirm the commodity code using the material description, composition and manufacturing information, rather than the supplier's grade name alone. Import VAT is normally 20%; zero customs duty does not remove VAT. See UK import duty and VAT for the calculation method.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activated-carbon molecular sieve pellets for nitrogen generation | 3802 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify nitrogen performance under your operating conditions
State the intended gas separation, required outlet purity, usable gas output and air consumption. Agree the test conditions, including feed pressure, temperature, air preparation, cycle timing and bed loading. Ask for results from the exact grade under those conditions. A headline nitrogen purity without its operating conditions is insufficient for comparing suppliers.
Specify pellet dimensions, size distribution, bulk density, moisture, crushing strength and acceptable fines. Agree whether the media must be new and unused, how it will be sealed against moisture, and how each batch will be identified. Retain an approved sample and agree performance acceptance before production.
Review applicable UK REACH registration duties for the substance with your adviser. Registration is per substance and legal entity. Before sale in Great Britain, substances and mixtures must be correctly labelled and packaged. Ask for the grade's safety information and have its classification reviewed alongside the planned handling and transport.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative bulk stock order: 20 tonnes of carbon molecular sieve pellets; values are illustrative, not a quotation under 3802 10 00 90, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,500, so it is £6,500. 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
Identity: match the grade, batch markings and certificate of analysis to the order and approved sample; investigate any substitution or unexplained change in appearance.
Pellets: sample across packages and compare dimensions, size distribution, bulk density, crushing strength and fines with the agreed specification.
Packaging: check seals, moisture protection, damage and net weight; retain samples from suspect packages before unloading them into an adsorption bed.
Performance: test representative media using the agreed feed conditions and cycle; record outlet purity, gas output and air consumption together.
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What goes wrong
A grade can reach the advertised purity while delivering too little usable nitrogen or consuming too much air. Different test pressures, cycle settings or bed loads can make supplier results incomparable. Ordinary carbon adsorption results alone do not demonstrate molecular sieve performance in your generator.
Weak pellets produce dust during transport and loading; damp media and inconsistent packing can undermine performance. Keep suspect batches separate and investigate before filling the whole bed. A changed grade name or reused test report is a reason to repeat the agreed acceptance test.
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 carbon molecular sieves from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 0% for other activated carbon under 3802 10 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure. Confirm that the exact sieve belongs in this code.
Can I choose carbon molecular sieves by nitrogen purity alone?
No. Compare purity with usable gas output and air consumption under the same feed pressure, temperature, cycle timing and bed loading.
What should I test when the carbon molecular sieves arrive?
Check batch identity, moisture, pellet dimensions, fines, bulk density and strength against the agreed specification, then verify gas performance under the agreed operating conditions.
Do waste controls apply to replacement carbon molecular sieves?
The tariff attaches waste controls. Ask your broker to confirm their application to your material. Waste shipped under notification controls needs the relevant authorities' consent before shipment.