Sourcing cellulose acetate phthalate from China
Cellulose acetate phthalate has a candidate UK duty rate of 6% under other cellulose esters; the wider heading ranges from 0% to 6%. Confirm the chemistry and commodity code, and assess chemical supply obligations before importing. Cambridge China Bridge sources cellulose acetate phthalate.
Duty and the candidate cellulose ester code
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3912 covers cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms, not elsewhere specified or included. Other cellulose esters, 3912 90 10 90, is a candidate line for cellulose acetate phthalate. It carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. The table repeats this candidate line for different purchasing specifications.
The supplied tariff record attaches import and export waste controls. If material from China is waste subject to notification controls, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the shipment is waste and which requirements apply before arranging shipment.
Do not assume that the suspension for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate applies to cellulose acetate phthalate. Give your broker the chemical identity, composition and physical form, then confirm the commodity code. For related materials within the heading, see our cellulose acetate propionate resin guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellulose acetate phthalate powder, subject to classification | 3912 90 10 90 | 6% | None |
Specify identity and coating behaviour
Write out cellulose acetate phthalate in the purchase specification. An abbreviation can be confused with cellulose acetate propionate. Agree acetyl and phthalyl content, free acid, moisture, viscosity with its solvent and test method, particle size and residual solvents. For coating applications, compare solution clarity, film formation and release behaviour in your own formulation against an approved sample.
For pharmaceutical use, agree the applicable pharmacopoeia monograph and batch evidence with your buyer's quality team. Confirm with HSE whether the polymer, its monomers or additives require UK REACH registration or qualify for an exemption. Importers are responsible for chemical classification; a safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for workplace use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 20 bags of 25 kg of cellulose acetate phthalate under 3912 90 10 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the full chemical name, manufacturer, grade and batch identifiers across the bag, analysis certificate and purchase order.
Analysis: compare substitution, free acid, moisture, residual solvents and viscosity against the agreed specification; verify viscosity using the agreed solvent and method.
Application: trial a retained batch sample in the intended coating formulation and compare film quality and release behaviour with the approved sample.
Packing: inspect liners, seals and bags for water damage, contamination and caking; retain labelled samples for comparison. See quality inspection explained.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A quotation using only an abbreviation can lead to the wrong cellulose derivative. A matching viscosity figure can hide a different solvent or test method. Material can also meet a general analysis sheet while failing the buyer's coating trial. Resolve identity and application performance before approving the production batch.
Damaged liners and damp storage can leave caked powder that disperses unevenly. A pharmaceutical-grade claim without matching batch evidence leaves the buyer unable to assess suitability. Hold discrepant material for investigation, rather than mixing it into accepted stock.
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 cellulose acetate phthalate from China?
The candidate line 3912 90 10 90 carries 6% duty in the supplied tariff record, with no suspension or trade remedy recorded. Confirm classification for the actual product.
Is cellulose acetate phthalate the same as cellulose acetate propionate?
No. Write the full chemical name in the order and match the supplier's identity documents and analysis certificate to it. Avoid ordering by an abbreviation alone.
Does cellulose acetate phthalate need UK REACH registration?
Confirm with HSE whether registration or an exemption applies to the polymer, its monomers and additives. Check the composition and the importer's UK REACH position rather than assuming a blanket exemption.
How do I check a replacement cellulose acetate phthalate grade?
Compare identity, substitution, free acid, moisture and viscosity using the same method, then trial the material in your coating formulation against an approved sample.