Sourcing chromium oxides from China

0% on every line

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 27 September 2026, heading 2819 covers chromium oxides and hydroxides. All 6 lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure: chromium trioxide, chromium dioxide, dichromium trioxide for metallurgy, dihydroxy(dioxo)chromium (chromic acid), dichromic acid and other chromium oxides and hydroxides, which include green chromium(III) oxide for pigments, refractories and polishing. For related materials, see our lithium hydroxide and metal oxides sourcing guide.

Chromate and dichromate salts are heading 2841, and chromium metal is 8112; pigment preparations based on chromium oxide may fall in chapter 32, so confirm the commodity code.

REACH authorisation for chromium(VI)

Chromium trioxide is entry 16 of Annex XIV of retained Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (UK REACH), classified as carcinogenic category 1A and mutagenic category 1B, and the acids generated from it, including chromic acid and dichromic acid, are entry 17. After the sunset date, a substance on Annex XIV may only be placed on the GB market for a use, or used, where an authorisation covers that use or the use is exempt, so an importer or its customer must hold or rely on one before buying for chrome plating or other uses unless an exemption applies.

Green chromium(III) oxide is not on Annex XIV, but it is still subject to UK REACH registration at one tonne or more a year and to GB CLP labelling under retained Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, and buyers usually set a limit for chromium(VI) impurity. Chromium trioxide is also a dangerous good for transport (UN 1463).

Specifying chromium oxide

For green chromium(III) oxide, specify the Cr2O3 content, water-soluble salts, chromium(VI) limit, particle size and oil absorption for pigment grades, colour against a standard, and packing. For chromium trioxide, specify assay, sulphate and insoluble matter, flake form, and packing approved for an oxidising, toxic and corrosive substance.

Worked duty example

For a made-up shipment of 10 tonnes of green chromium(III) oxide under 2819 90 90 90, add the £2,000 of freight and insurance to the £40,000 free-on-board price and customs sees £42,000. Duty on chromium oxide is zero, leaving import VAT of £8,400, 20% of the customs value. For a VAT-registered buyer that is a cash-flow cost rather than a lasting one. The duty and VAT guide walks through the calculation.

Inspection checklist

Documents: check the certificate of analysis, the English safety data sheet, the UK REACH registration route and, for chromium(VI) substances, the authorisation that covers the intended use. Check the intended-use authorisation for chromium(VI) substances before arranging UK customs clearance for chromium oxides.

Laboratory: test an independent sample of chromium(III) oxide for chromium content, chromium(VI) impurity and colour; for chromium trioxide, test assay and sulphate.

Packing: check drums are sealed, labelled with GB CLP pictograms and UN numbers where needed, and approved for the dangerous goods class.

What goes wrong

Chromium oxide orders fail on chromium(VI), colour and authorisation. Green oxide carries more chromium(VI) than the buyer allows, pigment grades drift in shade between lots, and chromium trioxide is bought without an authorisation covering the use, which leaves stock that cannot legally be used.

Check the authorisation first, set chromium(VI) limits, and test each lot. See our quality inspection guide.

Cambridge China Bridge sources chromium oxide for UK refractory, pigment and polishing users, checking the producer's laboratory and chromium(VI) control first. See factory verification.