Sourcing citral from China

Citral duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2912 covers aldehydes and related products. Unmixed citral falls within the residual acyclic aldehyde line 2912 19 00 90, carrying 4% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line. The table repeats this line for different purchasing uses; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.

The tariff attaches an export control for waste. Environment Agency guidance says waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. If the shipment contains discarded or waste material, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker before shipment rather than treating it as ordinary citral stock.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition, substance identity and any added carrier or other ingredient. Fragrance compounds mixing aroma chemicals are classified differently from pure aldehydes. See the wider aldehydes guide for other products within this heading.

Specify citral composition and intended use

Specify total citral assay, the balance of geranial and neral, water, acidity, colour and an agreed odour reference. State whether a carrier, stabiliser or other ingredient is permitted. Ask for the analytical method and a batch certificate of analysis, and retain an approved sample for comparison.

Separate fragrance, food-flavouring, synthesis and laboratory orders. For food use, flavouring substances require approval before use; check the official authorisation and its conditions against the supplied material. A supplier's food-grade description alone is insufficient evidence.

Chemical suppliers, including importers, are responsible for classification. Labels and packaging must be correct before supply in Great Britain. Review UK REACH registration responsibility against annual substance imports before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot order of citral in drums under 2912 19 00 90, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,700. Duty at 4% is £148. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,848, so it is £769.60. Import taxes total £917.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £148 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: check drum labels, batch numbers, invoice description and certificate of analysis refer to the same citral lot.

Composition: compare assay, geranial and neral balance, water and acidity with the agreed specification and test method.

Appearance and odour: compare colour and an appropriately handled sample with the retained reference; investigate unexpected notes.

Packaging and documents: check seals, leakage, drum damage, labels and the safety data sheet against the actual composition.

What goes wrong

A lot can meet total assay yet differ from the approved sample in isomer balance, odour or colour. Other disputes arise when a diluted preparation is supplied against an unmixed citral order, or the certificate describes a different batch. Agree acceptance criteria before production and investigate differences before releasing stock.

Food-use claims and chemical paperwork can also fail to match the intended application. Resolve authorisation questions, composition discrepancies and damaged or leaking drums before use. Arrange testing and certification support around the agreed specification.

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.