Sourcing cetrimonium chloride from China
Cetrimonium chloride from China normally carries 6% UK duty under the residual quaternary-ammonium line. The listed suspension covers other substances. Confirm UK REACH coverage and classify, label and package the chemical before placing it on the GB market. Cambridge China Bridge sources cetrimonium chloride.
Cetrimonium chloride: standard duty of 6%
Heading 2923 covers quaternary ammonium salts and hydroxides, lecithins and other phosphoaminolipids. For cetrimonium chloride, the relevant candidate is the residual line 2923 90 00 90. Confirm the supplied composition and form rather than accepting the factory's code without checking. See the wider heading guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, the supplied tariff record gives this line a standard duty of 6% for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its suspension names other substances, not cetrimonium chloride. The reference guide describes relief for listed pharmaceutical substances; do not assume a cosmetic-grade description establishes eligibility.
The tariff record attaches export controls on dangerous chemicals and waste. Their applicability to this shipment has not been established; ask your customs broker to confirm any requirement for goods from China, including the direction of the controls. Confirm the commodity code using the substance identity, full composition, solvent and intended use.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cetrimonium chloride, subject to confirmation of composition and form | 2923 90 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify active content and the carrier
Specify cetrimonium chloride by chemical identity, active content, carrier or solvent, appearance and intended application. Agree the assay method and acceptance limits for impurities, colour and odour. Request a batch certificate of analysis and an English safety data sheet matching the supplied material. Compare quotations by active content as well as delivered weight.
For industrial quats, confirm the applicable UK REACH position with HSE before ordering. Registration is per substance and legal entity. Before placing imported chemicals on the GB market, confirm the applicable classification requirements with HSE and ensure their labelling and packaging are correct.
For use in a finished cosmetic, ask the safety assessor to check the intended formulation and ingredient restrictions. Before a cosmetic product is made available to consumers, its safety must be checked by a qualified safety assessor. A raw-material certificate of analysis does not establish the safety of the finished formulation.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of cetrimonium chloride under 2923 90 00 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,300. Duty at 6% is £258. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,558, so it is £911.60. Import taxes total £1,169.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £258 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the purchase specification, drum label, safety data sheet and certificate of analysis to cetrimonium chloride and the actual carrier.
Active content: test representative batch samples using the agreed method; check whether the reported assay refers to active material or the supplied solution.
Condition: compare colour, odour and appearance with the approved sample; investigate separation, sediment or contamination before release.
Packing and traceability: check seals, leakage, batch references and delivered weight; compare hazard labels with the safety data sheet. Use the inspection guide to organise checks.
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What goes wrong
A quotation for cetrimonium chloride can leave the carrier and assay basis unclear. A weaker solution then changes formulation dosing and the cost per unit of active material. An approval sample may also differ from the delivered batch. Put the composition, test method and batch acceptance criteria in the order.
Another failure is treating a cosmetic-grade claim as proof that any finished formulation can be sold. Arrange the formulation assessment separately, and hold batches with mismatched identity, unexplained assay results or damaged packaging until the discrepancy is resolved.
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 cetrimonium chloride from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 2923 90 00 90 a standard duty of 6%. Its named suspension does not cover cetrimonium chloride. Confirm classification and any separately applicable relief before entry.
Does cetrimonium chloride need UK REACH registration?
For industrial quats, confirm the applicable UK REACH position with HSE. Check your registration coverage before ordering; registration is per substance and legal entity.
What should a cetrimonium chloride specification include?
Chemical identity, active content, carrier or solvent, assay method, impurity limits, appearance, packaging and batch traceability. Request a certificate of analysis matching the supplied batch.
Is cosmetic-grade cetrimonium chloride enough to approve a conditioner?
No. Before a finished cosmetic is made available to consumers, a qualified safety assessor must check its safety. Have the assessor review the intended formulation and ingredient restrictions.