Sourcing graphite dispersions from China

Zero duty on colloidal graphite dispersions

Heading 3801 includes colloidal and semi-colloidal graphite alongside artificial graphite and other carbon preparations. This guide focuses on liquid dispersions. Oil suspensions and semi-colloidal graphite fall under 3801 20 10 00; other colloidal graphite falls under 3801 20 90 00. The table separates buying descriptions that share a code.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, both relevant commodity lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff records list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. Import VAT is separate from duty.

Confirm the carrier, composition and whether the product is colloidal or semi-colloidal before choosing the commodity code. For the other products within this heading, see our artificial and expandable graphite guide.

Specify the carrier and dispersion behaviour

Specify the intended coating or lubrication process, carrier identity, graphite solids content, particle size distribution, viscosity at an agreed temperature and dilution method. Agree how sedimentation and redispersion will be tested. Ask the factory to identify additives and provide a safety data sheet for the actual formulation.

Approve the dispersion in your own application, using the intended substrate, dilution water or oil and drying conditions. Record film adhesion, coverage or lubrication performance as relevant. A matching colour does not establish a matching formulation.

For Great Britain, everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct chemical labelling and packaging before market placement. UK REACH registration is assessed per substance and per legal entity. Review the graphite, carrier and additives separately rather than treating the commercial mixture name as the substance identity.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 600 kg of aqueous colloidal graphite dispersion, illustrative only under 3801 20 90 00, invoiced at £6,996 free on board, with £1,980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,976. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,976, so it is £1,795.20. 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: check the batch reference, carrier and formulation against the approved sample and batch certificate.

Dispersion: check solids content, particle size and viscosity using the agreed methods; inspect for lumps and hard sediment.

Application: check dilution behaviour and the resulting film or lubrication performance in your intended process.

Containers: check seals, leakage, net contents and label consistency; retain a representative batch sample.

What goes wrong

A dispersion can arrive with hard sediment that does not redisperse, an altered carrier or a different solids content. These changes can cause blocked application equipment, uneven films or inconsistent lubrication. Sampling only the liquid at the top of a settled container can conceal the problem.

Agree mixing and sampling instructions before inspection. Compare the shipment with the approved formulation and application result, and investigate any changed additive or carrier before accepting the batch.

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.