Sourcing chloromethane from China
Chloromethane from China carries 4% UK duty, with no suspension or trade remedy shown in the supplied tariff data. It is not banned under the ozone-depleting substance regime and needs no ODS licence or quota, but imports and exports must be reported. Cambridge China Bridge sources chloromethane.
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Chloromethane duty and reporting
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, chloromethane, also called methyl chloride, falls within heading 2903 under commodity code 2903 11 00 00. This line also covers chloroethane. The supplied data contains only this relevant line. Chinese-origin goods carry 4% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension shown.
The tariff attaches a restriction on entry into free circulation referring to ozone-depleting substance reporting. Chloromethane is listed among substances that are not banned or subject to ODS licensing or quotas, but imports and exports must be reported.
The tariff also attaches an export control for waste. Waste shipment controls apply when the material is waste; ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for any waste consignment. Confirm the commodity code using the actual chemical identity and composition. See the wider heading guide for other chlorinated solvents and fluorinated gases.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloromethane (methyl chloride); tariff line also covers chloroethane | 2903 11 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify chloromethane purity and cylinder connections
Write chloromethane and methyl chloride on the purchase specification so the supplier cannot confuse the order with dichloromethane or chloroethane. Agree assay, water, acidity and the impurity profile against your process needs. Ask for batch-specific analysis results and the methods used, rather than a generic product sheet.
Agree cylinder material, valve connection, net contents, protective caps and the receiving equipment before ordering. Ask your chemical adviser to confirm the UK REACH registration position; registration is per substance and legal entity. Arrange an English safety data sheet and competent review of the proposed labels. Chemicals must be labelled and packaged correctly before being placed on the market.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small trial consignment of chloromethane in cylinders under 2903 11 00 00, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,000. Duty at 4% is £240. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,240, so it is £1,248. Import taxes total £1,488; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £240 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the order, invoice, safety data sheet and batch analysis to chloromethane, not a similarly named chemical.
Quality: compare batch assay, water, acidity and impurity results with the agreed specification; arrange specialist testing where results need verification.
Cylinders: check identifiers, valve connections, caps, visible damage and recorded net contents against the packing list; arrange specialist assessment of suspected leaks.
Documents: match batch and cylinder records to the shipment, check labels and retain the information needed for import reporting. Agree testing and certification support before dispatch.
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What goes wrong
Similar chemical names can produce an incorrect quotation or shipment even when the tariff heading looks plausible. Generic analysis certificates can conceal a mismatch between the agreed grade and the delivered batch. Moisture or impurity results outside your specification can make the material unsuitable for your process.
A valve connection that does not fit the receiving equipment prevents use, while damaged cylinders need specialist assessment. Another paperwork failure is treating the absence of an ODS licence or quota as the absence of reporting duties. Agree responsibility for the annual report before shipment.
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 chloromethane from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 4% under 2903 11 00 00, with no suspension, anti-dumping or countervailing measure.
Do I need an ODS licence or quota for chloromethane?
Chloromethane is listed among substances not banned or covered by ODS licensing or quotas, but imports and exports must be reported.
When must I report chloromethane imports?
Submit the annual activity report to the Environment Agency by 31 March for the previous calendar year.
What should I check before accepting chloromethane cylinders?
Match chemical identity and batch analysis to the order. Check valve connections, cylinder identifiers, caps, visible damage and recorded net contents; use specialists for sampling or suspected leaks.