Sourcing chlorinated polypropylene from China

6% standard duty, conditional suspension to 0%

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3902 covers polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. Chlorinated polypropylene resin falls within the chlorinated polyolefins description under 3902 90 90 94, which includes solutions and dispersions. The supplied tariff record lists 6% standard duty for China and a 0.00 % autonomous suspension, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed.

The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the listed products. Do not assume a resin solution qualifies merely because its commodity description includes solutions. The tariff also attaches import and export waste controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste. For a waste shipment from China into England, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker; where notification controls apply, obtain consent before shipping.

Give your broker the full composition, physical form, solvent content and intended use to confirm the commodity code and suspension eligibility. The forms below share a tariff line; they are not separate duty categories. See the polypropylene granules guide for the wider heading.

Specify chlorine content and adhesion performance

State whether you need dry resin, a solution or a dispersion for printing ink, primer or adhesive. Agree chlorine content, solids content, solvent identity, viscosity with its test conditions, colour, moisture and insoluble matter. Name the substrate and the other binders in your formulation. Compare quotations on dry resin content rather than shipment weight alone.

Approve a sample through dissolution, compatibility and adhesion trials in your own process. Record substrate treatment, drying conditions and resistance to rubbing or the liquids encountered in use. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis, safety data sheet, storage conditions and shelf life.

Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration requirements or exemptions apply to the polymer, monomers and additives in the actual imported composition. Before supply in Great Britain, ensure substances and mixtures are correctly labelled and packaged under the chemical classification, labelling and packaging rules.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative: one tonne of chlorinated polypropylene resin; standard duty assumed pending suspension confirmation under 3902 90 90 94, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,500. Duty at 6% is £150. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,650, so it is £530. Import taxes total £680; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £150 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the grade, batch and composition against the approved sample, purchase specification and certificate of analysis.

Composition: verify chlorine content, solids and solvent identity using the agreed methods; compare viscosity at the same temperature and concentration.

Application: check dissolution, insoluble residue, compatibility and adhesion on the agreed substrate before releasing the batch into production.

Packing: inspect seals, liners and containers for moisture ingress or leaks; match batch labels and production dates to the documents. Use a written inspection brief.

What goes wrong

A resin that dissolves in the factory's solvent can leave haze or residue in yours. Changes in chlorine content, viscosity or solvent blend can alter compatibility and adhesion. A lower-solids solution also delivers less usable resin for the same shipment weight. Keep the approved formulation and test conditions in the purchase specification.

Poor seals can allow solvent loss or moisture ingress, while storage can cause caking or separation. Quarantine a leaking or out-of-specification batch and investigate before blending it into stock. Resolve suspension eligibility before costing the order, especially where the supplier sells a formulated preparation rather than resin alone.

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.