Sourcing coated NPK fertilisers from China
Controlled-release NPK fertilisers from China generally carry 6% UK duty; high-ammonium-nitrate lines carry 6.50%. Confirm the applicable GB fertiliser type and nutrient labelling requirements with the relevant authority. Specify the coating and release-test conditions before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources controlled-release NPK fertilisers.
Usually 6%, with composition deciding the line
Heading 3105 covers compound mineral or chemical fertilisers and small-pack fertilisers. For controlled-release NPK, shortlist codes from the nutrient analysis, ammonium nitrate content and gross pack weight. The table includes a conditional high-ammonium-nitrate line; it is not a default for coated granules. See the wider fertiliser guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, ordinary NPK and the other small-pack line carry 6% duty for goods from China. The specified high-ammonium-nitrate NPK line carries 6.50%. The supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions on these lines.
The small-pack line carries Veterinary control. For Chinese goods, confirm applicability and required documents with your customs broker, especially if the coating or blend contains animal material. APHA assesses permitted origin for ready-to-use animal-derived fertilisers case by case. Confirm the commodity code using the complete formulation, analysis and gross pack weight.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPK with nitrogen over 10% on the dry anhydrous product, other | 3105 20 10 90 | 6% | None |
| NPK with nitrogen not exceeding 10% on the dry anhydrous product | 3105 20 90 00 | 6% | None |
| NPK in packs of gross weight not exceeding 10 kg, other | 3105 10 00 90 | 6% | None |
| Solid NPK over 80% ammonium nitrate, phosphate and potash within the 9% to 12% band | 3105 20 10 60 | 6.5% | None |
Specify the coating and nutrient-release profile
Specify declared nitrogen, phosphate and potash, nutrient forms, coating material, coated proportion, granule size and intended growing conditions. Ask whether every granule is coated or the product blends coated and uncoated material. Agree release-test temperature, medium, sampling intervals and acceptance criteria. Request the underlying release curve rather than accepting a duration claim without test conditions.
Before ordering for Great Britain, confirm the applicable fertiliser type and prescribed nutrient declarations and labelling under the domestic fertiliser rules. Chemical labelling and packaging responsibilities also apply before sale. Review the safety data sheet and check UK REACH registration by substance and importing legal entity, including consideration of the coating ingredients.
For high-nitrogen ammonium nitrate formulations, check the detonation resistance testing requirements before shipment. Confirm whether the formulation is classified as dangerous goods in transport with the relevant transport authority or carrier; use the safety data sheet to settle freight handling with the carrier.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 25 tonnes of controlled-release NPK in 25 kg bags under 3105 20 10 90, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £11,500. Duty at 6% is £690. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £12,190, so it is £2,438. Import taxes total £3,128; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £690 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Nutrients: independently sample the shipment and compare laboratory nutrient results with the approved specification, bag declaration and batch analysis.
Release performance: test representative production samples under the agreed conditions and compare the release curve with the approved sample, including early nutrient release.
Coating and granules: inspect for cracks, exposed cores, uncoated granules and dust; check size distribution and damage after handling.
Arrival and packing: check moisture, caking, seals, bag weights, batch identification and label artwork. Retain samples from damaged bags separately and arrange independent inspection.
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What goes wrong
A matching nutrient analysis does not establish matching release performance. Different coating materials, coating coverage or test temperatures can make apparently similar products behave differently. Cracked coatings and excessive uncoated material can undermine the intended release profile; wet or damaged bags also make acceptance harder.
Agree a retained sample, test method and rejection criteria before production. Keep arrival stock separate while investigating discrepancies, and compare shipment samples with the approved sample under the same conditions. Avoid reordering solely because the granule colour and nutrient declaration look unchanged.
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 controlled-release NPK from China?
Usually 6%. The specified high-ammonium-nitrate lines carry 6.50%. Confirm the code from composition and pack weight; the supplied tariff facts show no anti-dumping duty or suspension.
How do I check a controlled-release fertiliser claim?
Agree the test temperature, medium and sampling intervals, then compare a production-batch release curve with the approved sample. A nutrient analysis alone does not verify release duration.
Can I simply translate the Chinese fertiliser label?
Confirm the applicable GB fertiliser type and nutrient declaration requirements with the relevant authority before approving the label artwork. Also check chemical labelling and packaging responsibilities.
What should I do if coated granules arrive cracked?
Separate affected stock, photograph the damage and retain representative samples. Compare release performance with the approved sample using the agreed method before deciding whether to accept the batch.