Sourcing copper sulphate from China

Copper sulphate pentahydrate: 2% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2833 covers sulphates, alums and peroxosulphates. Copper sulphate pentahydrate falls within the other copper sulphates line, 2833 25 00 80, carrying 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line.

The tariff attaches waste import and export controls. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For a China-to-England consignment subject to notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent; shipment can start after the Environment Agency and other competent authorities consent. Ask your customs broker to confirm the waste status and applicable procedure before shipping.

Confirm the commodity code using the chemical identity, hydrate and composition. Copper hydroxide sulphate hydrate has a separate description and should not be confused with pentahydrate. The table repeats the same tariff line for different purchasing forms, rather than separate customs classifications. See the wider sulphates and alums guide.

Specify the pentahydrate and assay basis

Write copper sulphate pentahydrate into the purchase specification and analysis certificate. State whether assay is expressed as copper sulphate pentahydrate or copper content, and agree the test method. Specify crystal or powder form, particle size, insoluble matter, iron and other impurities relevant to your process. Agree lined packaging, lot identification and retained samples.

GB importers must ensure correct chemical classification, labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the market. Check the safety data sheet and freight classification before booking transport. Check your UK REACH registration position if importing one tonne or more annually. Before selling copper sulphate as a fungicide, confirm with HSE whether GB plant protection product authorisation is needed; do not assume importing the raw chemical establishes permission for that use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of copper sulphate pentahydrate under 2833 25 00 80, invoiced at £4,800 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,300. Duty at 2% is £126. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,426, so it is £1,285.20. Import taxes total £1,411.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £126 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity and assay: match the lot certificate to the pentahydrate specification and independently test representative samples using the agreed method.

Impurities and dissolution: check insoluble matter and specified impurities; assess dissolution in the buyer's intended process against the approved sample.

Physical condition: check particle size, excessive fines, hard caking and signs of moisture entering the bags.

Packing and documents: check net weight, liners, seals and lot markings; compare hazard labels with the safety data sheet. Arrange quality inspection against the written specification.

What goes wrong

A blue appearance does not establish assay or suitability. Orders can fail because the quotation and certificate use different assay bases, another hydrate is supplied, insoluble matter disrupts dosing, or particle size changes between batches. Damp or damaged bags can leave material caked and difficult to handle.

Keep the intended use in the order documents. A laboratory or industrial grade description does not establish permission to sell the material as a fungicide. Hold a disputed batch apart from accepted stock and compare independent results with the agreed specification before accepting it.

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.