Sourcing crude coal-tar toluol from China
Crude coal-tar toluol from China carries 0% UK duty on the fuel and non-fuel lines. Before supply in Great Britain, check chemical classification, labels and packaging, and resolve UK REACH registration for the actual substance. Cambridge China Bridge sources crude coal-tar toluol.
Duty on crude coal-tar toluol
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 2707 covers oils and other products from high-temperature coal-tar distillation, and similar products whose aromatic constituents outweigh their non-aromatic constituents. This guide concerns unused crude coal-tar toluol for business use.
Toluol for power or heating fuel under 2707 20 00 10 and for other purposes under 2707 20 00 90 both carry 0% duty from China. The selected rows show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, no suspension and no attached import controls. The duty range is therefore 0% throughout these rows.
The related crude-oil rows are included for classification comparison. Send the composition, distillation results and intended use to your customs broker to confirm the commodity code. The supplier's description of a product as crude toluol is insufficient for choosing a code. See the crude benzol guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toluol (toluene), for use as a power or heating fuel | 2707 20 00 10 | 0% | None |
| Toluol (toluene), for other purposes | 2707 20 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Crude light oils: at least 90% by volume distils by 200°C; comparison line | 2707 99 11 00 | 0% | None |
| Other crude oils; classification comparison line | 2707 99 19 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the toluol fraction and impurity profile
Ask the producer to identify the coal-tar feedstock, processing route and actual substance or mixture supplied. Agree toluene content, benzene and xylene content, other aromatic constituents, sulphur, water, density, colour, distillation range and residue. State the intended industrial process and agree the analytical methods and acceptance limits before approving a production sample.
Require a certificate of analysis tied to the production batch, with results rather than a generic statement of conformity. Agree drum material, closure compatibility, seals and net contents. Arrange independent testing of a representative batch sample through testing and certification.
Before supply in Great Britain, check classification and ensure labels and packaging are correct. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Ask HSE to confirm applicable UK REACH registration thresholds and responsibilities; registration is per substance and per legal entity. Resolve the identity of the crude material before assessing registration coverage.
The Home Office precursor wallchart states that importing toluene does not require authorisation. Ask the Home Office how the precursor rules apply to the actual crude mixture and your activities. Precursor consignments also have documentation, record and labelling requirements; settle the applicable paperwork before shipment.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of crude coal-tar toluol in drums for industrial processing under 2707 20 00 90, 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 producer, batch markings, certificate of analysis and safety data sheet to the material ordered.
Composition: independently check toluene, benzene, other aromatics, sulphur and water against the agreed acceptance limits.
Distillation: compare the batch distillation range and residue with the approved sample and intended process.
Drums: check seals, closures, corrosion, leakage and net contents on arrival; compare labels with the safety data sheet. See quality inspection.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A supplier may use the same crude toluol name for batches with different aromatic profiles. Excess benzene, water or heavy residue can make a batch unsuitable for the buyer's process. Compare production-batch results with the agreed specification before releasing the shipment.
A generic safety data sheet can describe a different composition from the delivered batch. Unapproved blending, reused drums and leaking closures are separate rejection risks. Agree sampling, retained samples and rejection procedures in writing, and investigate discrepancies before using the material.
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 crude coal-tar toluol from China?
The fuel line 2707 20 00 10 and other-purpose line 2707 20 00 90 both carry 0% duty from China in the supplied tariff snapshot, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Which commodity code should I use for crude toluol?
Ask your customs broker to assess the composition, distillation results and intended use. The table includes related crude-oil lines for comparison; the supplier's trade name does not settle classification.
Does crude coal-tar toluol need a safety data sheet?
Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Ask for an English version describing the actual batch composition and check that the labels match it.
What should I test before accepting crude toluol?
Check toluene and benzene content, other aromatics, sulphur, water, density, distillation range and residue against agreed limits. Inspect drum seals, leakage and net contents separately.