Sourcing coal-tar anthracene oil from China

Anthracene oil duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 2707 covers high-temperature coal-tar distillation oils and similar products whose aromatic constituents outweigh their non-aromatic constituents. Its dedicated anthracene-oil line is 2707 99 20 10, specifying chemical registry number 90640-80-5.

The supplied tariff extract records 0% duty for Chinese-origin goods on every selected line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. The other table entries are classification comparisons for related products or different declared uses; they are not interchangeable anthracene-oil grades.

Confirm the commodity code using the substance identity, production description, composition and intended use before shipment. For the wider heading, see the coal-tar naphthalene guide.

Specify the anthracene-oil fraction

Ask the factory to identify the coal-tar feedstock, distillation fraction and any blending or further processing. Agree the anthracene content, distillation profile, density, viscosity at an agreed test temperature, water, insoluble matter and sulphur. Request benzo[a]pyrene analysis where relevant to your intended application. Put acceptance criteria and test methods into the order.

Check whether your import requires UK REACH registration. Chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet when hazardous. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the Great Britain market. Match the safety data sheet and proposed label to the actual substance, rather than accepting a document for a different coal-tar fraction.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of coal-tar anthracene oil in drums under 2707 99 20 10, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,800, so it is £5,160. 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

Identity: match the chemical registry number, batch number and production description across the order, analysis certificate and safety data sheet.

Analysis: compare a safely obtained batch sample with the agreed anthracene content, distillation profile, water and insoluble-matter criteria.

Handling: check viscosity and any crystallisation against the agreed storage and transfer conditions; follow the safety data sheet when arranging sampling.

Packaging: inspect drums, closures and seals for leakage, damage and contamination, and reconcile labels and net weights with the delivery records.

What goes wrong

A supplier's trade name can conceal a different distillation fraction or a blended product. Water, insoluble material or an unsuitable viscosity can make the delivered lot fail your process trial. Compare the production batch with the approved sample and retain a sealed reference sample.

Paperwork can fail when the analysis certificate identifies anthracene oil but the safety data sheet describes another substance. Resolve mismatches before loading, and arrange a separate intended-use review if the supplier proposes wood-treatment applications. Use the quality inspection guide to agree sampling and reporting.

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.