Sourcing cellulase enzymes from China

Cellulase classification and zero duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3507 covers enzymes and prepared enzymes not elsewhere specified or included. Cellulase preparations are candidates for the residual line 3507 90 90 90. The table shows forms within that same line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied tariff record gives this line 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension listed. It attaches veterinary control. The importer should confirm the requirement for the actual cellulase formulation with their customs broker. For animal products within the official guidance, medium and high risk consignments from non-EU countries undergo border checks; this does not establish the treatment of a microbial cellulase preparation.

Give the broker the enzyme identity, production source, full formulation and intended use, then confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see our detergent protease guide.

Specify cellulase activity and application

Specify the production organism, liquid, powder or granulated form, carriers, preservatives and intended application. State the activity unit, assay substrate, temperature and acidity used for testing. Require batch analysis using the agreed method and agree storage conditions and acceptable activity at arrival.

For textile processing, test an approved sample on your actual fabric for surface finish, colour change and strength loss. For detergent use, test performance and stability in your own formulation. A matching activity figure alone does not demonstrate matching application performance.

For food use, confirm the enzyme and intended application with the Food Standards Agency before ordering. Official guidance says the domestic food-enzyme list is not yet established. For feed use, confirm with the Food Standards Agency whether feed-additive authorisation is required for the enzyme and intended application. Check the safety data sheet and handling arrangements: many enzymes are respiratory sensitisers.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of liquid cellulase preparation in bulk containers under 3507 90 90 90, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,800, so it is £4,760. 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

Activity: compare the batch analysis with the agreed assay and test a retained arrival sample using that method.

Formulation: check production-source declarations, carriers and preservatives against the approved sample and purchase specification.

Condition: inspect seals, leakage, powder caking and granule damage; review transport-temperature records against agreed storage conditions.

Traceability: match container batch marks to the analysis certificate and safety data sheet. Arrange testing and certification support where needed.

What goes wrong

Supplier and buyer assays can produce different activity figures when substrates or test conditions differ. Heat exposure can reduce activity, while damaged packaging can leave powder damp or caked. Compare results only after confirming the method, and investigate transport conditions before accepting an underperforming batch.

A cellulase that gives the desired textile finish can still damage fabric when the treatment is unsuitable. A detergent sample can lose activity in the buyer's formulation. Approve an application trial as well as an assay result, and keep a reference sample for comparison.

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.