Sourcing cast polypropylene film from China

Normally 6% duty on cast packaging film

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3920 covers non-cellular plastic film that is not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. For non-oriented cast polypropylene packaging film not exceeding 0,10 mm thick, the supplied general line is 3920 20 29 99. The table shows buying variants sharing that code, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no attached import controls. It also lists a 0% suspension for a narrowly described mono-axially oriented film. Ordinary non-oriented cast film does not match that description. The supplied suspension footnote is incomplete, so confirm its full conditions before claiming relief.

Confirm the commodity code against thickness, polymer composition, orientation and construction. Finished bags and laminated packaging need a separate classification check. For the wider polypropylene packaging-film comparison, see BOPP packaging film.

Specify the sealing face and converting use

State whether the film will be used directly for wrapping, made into bags or laminated to another web after import. Specify resin grade, layer construction, thickness and tolerance, width, core dimensions, roll weight and winding direction. Identify the heat-sealing face and treated face separately, and agree seal strength, sealing conditions, friction and surface-treatment acceptance criteria using a sample on your equipment.

For food contact, obtain a declaration of compliance and migration results for the actual film. Give the supplier the food type, contact duration and temperature, including any heating use. A resin description alone does not establish that the supplied film suits your application. Arrange testing and certification support around the intended use.

Check Plastic Packaging Tax separately from customs duty. Ask HMRC to confirm whether the film is a finished packaging component and how any further modification, including cutting or sealing, affects its treatment. Record the intended converting process and obtain evidence for recycled-content claims. See Plastic Packaging Tax.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Trial consignment of clear cast polypropylene packaging film rolls, illustrative under 3920 20 29 99, invoiced at £6,784 free on board, with £1,920 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,704. Duty at 6% is £522.24. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,226.24, so it is £1,845.25. Import taxes total £2,367.49; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £522.24 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Gauge and surface: measure thickness across the width and along unwound samples; compare width and appearance with the approved sample, checking gels, fisheyes, scratches and contamination.

Sealing and handling: trial the agreed sealing face on your equipment, compare seal strength and friction with the specification, and check whether adjacent layers stick together during unwinding.

Treatment and winding: check the treated face with the agreed method, inspect slit edges and winding tension, and look for sideways roll displacement, crushed cores and damaged protection.

Identity and paperwork: match roll labels, grade, dimensions and batch to the order; match food-contact declarations and migration reports to the supplied film. Use the inspection guide to define the acceptance record.

What goes wrong

A film can look clear yet fail during conversion. Uneven gauge creates inconsistent seals; the wrong sealing face or additive package causes weak seals, sticking or feeding problems. Surface treatment can be unsuitable for printing or lamination. A hand sample will not reveal every winding defect, so approve a machine trial and compare production rolls with that sample.

Commercial descriptions also cause mistakes: cast film is quoted against an oriented-film suspension, a resin certificate is offered instead of film-specific food-contact evidence, or cutting is assumed to defer packaging tax. Settle the construction, intended use and supporting documents before approving 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.