Sourcing cellulose acetate trimellitate from China
Cellulose acetate trimellitate provisionally falls under other cellulose esters at 6% UK duty from China, with no listed suspension; wider heading rates span 0% to 6%. Importers are responsible for chemical hazard classification. Cambridge China Bridge sources cellulose acetate trimellitate.
Duty on cellulose acetate trimellitate
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3912 covers cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms. For cellulose acetate trimellitate, the provisional starting point is 3912 90 10 90, other cellulose esters. The table shows alternative presentations against the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes. Confirm the complete composition of solutions and dispersions before using it.
The supplied tariff record gives this line a 6% duty for goods from China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Other products within the heading have zero rates or suspensions, but those entries do not establish relief for trimellitate. See the related cellulose acetate phthalate guide for wider heading context.
The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. Confirm their application with your customs broker, especially for discarded or recovered material. If a Chinese consignment is waste subject to notification controls entering England, shipment must await consent from the Environment Agency and other competent authorities involved. Send the composition, physical form and intended use for a commodity code check.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellulose acetate trimellitate powder, provisional classification | 3912 90 10 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the trimellitate chemistry and coating test
Write out cellulose acetate trimellitate in the purchase specification. Ask for evidence of polymer identity, acetyl and trimellityl content, free acid, moisture, residual solvents, particle size and viscosity measured by an agreed method. Specify whether you are buying the polymer alone or a formulation, with all solvents, neutralising agents and additives disclosed.
For a coating application, agree a trial using your own substrate and process. Check dissolution behaviour across the intended acidity conditions, film integrity, adhesion and consistency after storage. Compare the shipment sample with your approved sample. Ask for batch analysis and test methods rather than accepting a grade name as evidence of suitability.
Importers are responsible for chemical hazard classification. A safety data sheet is required for hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use. Polymers are exempt from UK REACH registration, but other parts of REACH still apply and monomers or other reactants may need registration. Ask a chemical compliance adviser to assess the actual composition and supply chain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot order of cellulose acetate trimellitate powder in sealed bags 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: check that bag labels, the purchase order and batch analysis identify trimellitate rather than phthalate or another cellulose ester.
Analysis: compare substitution, moisture, free acid, residual solvents and viscosity with the agreed specification; retain a sealed batch sample.
Performance: repeat the agreed dissolution and film tests using the shipment material before releasing it to your process.
Packing: inspect seals, liners, batch markings, dampness and caking; compare hazard information with the assessed composition.
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What goes wrong
Watch for substitution with another cellulose ester, an undisclosed coating blend, viscosity measured under different conditions, or moisture picked up through damaged liners. These differences can change dissolution behaviour or film quality even when the supplier uses the same grade description.
Keep suspect batches separate while you compare retained samples and analysis. Resolve differences through the agreed test method and application trial. A customs classification or polymer registration exemption does not demonstrate that the material meets your coating specification. Arrange testing and certification support where specialist assessment is needed.
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 trimellitate from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 3912 90 10 90 a 6% duty, with no listed suspension or anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that the actual material belongs on this residual cellulose-ester line.
Is cellulose acetate trimellitate the same as cellulose acetate phthalate?
Treat them as different specified materials. Check polymer identity and substitution, and approve trimellitate through your own dissolution and coating trial before accepting a proposed replacement.
Does cellulose acetate trimellitate need UK REACH registration?
Polymers are exempt from registration, but other REACH provisions still apply. Monomers or other reactants may need registration. Have the actual composition and supply chain assessed.
What should I test when the shipment arrives?
Check identity, substitution, moisture, free acid, residual solvents and viscosity against the agreed methods. Repeat the application trial and inspect packaging for damaged seals, dampness and caking.