Sourcing coal-tar impregnation pitch from China
Coal-tar impregnation pitch from China carries 0% UK duty across the relevant pitch lines. High-temperature coal-tar pitch is subject to UK REACH authorisation: resolve authorisation coverage or an applicable exemption for the intended use before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources coal-tar impregnation pitch.
Duty on coal-tar impregnation pitch
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 2708 covers pitch and pitch coke obtained from coal tar or other mineral tars. This guide concerns pitch supplied for impregnation. See the wider pitch and pitch coke guide.
The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty from China for 2708 10 00 10 and 2708 10 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. High-temperature coal-tar pitch with substance identifier 65996-93-2 has its own line. The other-pitch line is a classification alternative, not a way around chemical rules.
Confirm the commodity code using the substance identity, composition and production process. Separately resolve UK REACH authorisation for high-temperature coal-tar pitch. After the sunset date, a listed substance cannot be used or placed on the market for a use unless authorised or exempt. Authorisation has no tonnage threshold.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-temperature coal-tar pitch for impregnation | 2708 10 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Other pitch, where the substance identity supports this classification | 2708 10 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify pitch for the impregnation process
Identify the carbon or graphite component, its pore structure and the subsequent heat treatment. Agree softening point, viscosity at the intended processing temperature, quinoline-insoluble and toluene-insoluble content, coking value, ash and moisture. Record the test methods alongside acceptance limits so that supplier and buyer results are comparable.
Ask for the substance identity, manufacturing description, batch certificate of analysis and safety data sheet. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Review UK REACH registration separately from authorisation: registration is per substance and legal entity, with the general import threshold at 1 tonne per year.
Have the proposed use assessed before ordering. HSE describes an authorisation exemption where chemical processing transforms the substance into another substance. Do not assume that the trade description 'impregnation pitch' establishes that exemption; document the actual process and seek confirmation from HSE where uncertain.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of packaged coal-tar impregnation pitch, subject to resolving the applicable authorisation or exemption under 2708 10 00 10, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,800, so it is £1,160. 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 supplier, substance identity, batch markings and certificate of analysis to the approved material.
Flow properties: test softening point and viscosity using the agreed methods and processing temperature.
Solids and carbon yield: check insoluble content, ash and coking value; compare a retained sample with the approved batch.
Packing and condition: check damaged packaging, contamination, moisture and net weight on arrival. Arrange quality inspection against the written specification.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may offer binder pitch against an impregnation enquiry without demonstrating equivalent flow and insoluble content. Matching softening point alone does not establish suitability. Excess solids can obstruct penetration, while unsuitable viscosity or carbon yield can undermine the intended result. Compare production samples in the buyer's process before accepting a substitution.
Commercial documents can also confuse registration with authorisation. Resolve both separately and keep the reasoning for any claimed exemption with the product file. A tariff record showing no attached import control does not establish permission to supply or use an authorisation-listed substance.
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 coal-tar impregnation pitch from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for 2708 10 00 10 and 2708 10 00 90, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm the line from the substance identity.
Does zero duty mean I can use high-temperature coal-tar pitch?
No. UK REACH authorisation is separate. Resolve an authorisation covering the intended use or an applicable exemption before ordering.
Is impregnation pitch interchangeable with binder pitch?
Do not assume equivalence. Compare viscosity, insoluble content, softening point and coking value, then assess the proposed material in your impregnation process.
Can a small trial avoid the authorisation check?
Small quantity alone does not remove the check: authorisation has no tonnage threshold. Establish whether the particular use is authorised or exempt.