Sourcing chromium metal powder from China

Chromium powder duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 6 November 2026, heading 8112 includes chromium metal powder. The powder lines distinguish alloys containing more than 10% nickel by weight from other chromium powder. The table includes chromium scrap and other goods only to show neighbouring classifications. See the wider minor-metals guide.

Both chromium powder lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control for those lines. Import VAT at 20% still applies. Chromium waste and scrap has an attached waste import control; waste shipment controls apply when the material is waste. For scrap from China, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using composition and physical form, rather than the supplier's description alone. Do not describe scrap as saleable powder simply because it is finely divided. The worked order is illustrative, with hypothetical FOB and freight values, rather than a supplier quotation.

Specify chemistry and particle distribution

Specify chromium content, acceptable nickel, iron, oxygen and other impurities, particle-size distribution, particle shape and the test methods used. Describe the intended alloying or processing application. Agree whether the powder is virgin material or recovered material, the batch identification and the certificate of analysis supplied with each batch.

Agree sealed packaging, moisture protection and a sampling method before ordering. Ask for safety information covering the actual powder grade and use it when planning receipt and handling. For supply in Great Britain, chemicals must be labelled and packaged correctly before being placed on the market. Check your UK REACH role: some businesses have registration responsibilities and some do not.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 200 kg of chromium metal powder; illustrative order only under 8112 21 90 00, invoiced at £2,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,800, so it is £560. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Chemistry: compare independent sample results with the ordered composition and the batch certificate, including oxygen and metallic impurities.

Particle distribution: check the agreed test report and sample for excessive fines, oversize particles and agglomerates.

Batch identity: match container labels, certificates and retained samples to the same production batch.

Packing and weight: check seals, net weight, moisture ingress and powder leakage before releasing the batch for use.

What goes wrong

A purity statement can conceal unsuitable oxygen or nickel content. A particle-size description can omit the fines or oversize fraction that affects the buyer's process. Damp or poorly sealed containers can arrive with caked powder, while a certificate copied from another batch leaves the delivered material unverified.

Agree acceptance criteria and independent testing before payment. Hold mismatched, leaking or caked containers apart pending assessment. Keep the certificate, sample identity and inspection findings together so a disputed batch can be traced.

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.