Sourcing cyclic olefin polymer resin from China
Heading 3902 has UK duty rates from 0% to 6%; budget 6% for cyclic olefin polymer resin under the residual line, subject to classification. Confirm the UK REACH registration position for the polymer, monomers and additives with the Health and Safety Executive. Cambridge China Bridge sources cyclic olefin polymer resin.
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UK duty on cyclic olefin polymer resin
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3902 covers polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. For cyclic olefin polymer resin, use 3902 90 90 99 as a candidate classification pending composition checks. The table shows commercial grade variants sharing this candidate line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. Identify the main monomer and confirm the commodity code from the composition and supplied form.
The candidate line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty listed in the supplied reading. It also records a 0% suspension restricted to specified poly-alpha-olefins. This is not a blanket relief for cyclic olefin polymer resin. The supplied suspension description is incomplete, so ask your customs broker to check the full conditions before claiming relief.
The tariff attaches an import waste control. For resin offered as scrap or waste, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker. For imports into England under notification controls, the Chinese exporter must apply to the competent authority in the country of dispatch for consent. Compare the related family in our cyclic olefin copolymer resin guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclic olefin polymer resin, injection-moulding grade | 3902 90 90 99 | 6% | None |
Specify the polymer and the moulded result
Specify cyclic olefin polymer resin explicitly, rather than accepting a cyclic olefin copolymer as an unnamed substitute. Ask for the manufacturer, grade, monomer composition, additives and virgin or reprocessed status. Agree melt flow and its test conditions, glass transition temperature, optical transmission, haze, colour and pellet cleanliness. Define the intended moulding or extrusion process and retain an approved sample.
For optical parts, compare moulded plaques at the same thickness and processing conditions. For laboratory parts, trial the intended reagents, cleaning process and any sterilisation cycle. Agree drying, storage and sealed packing instructions with the producer. These are purchasing specifications, and should be checked on the actual grade.
Confirm the UK REACH registration position for the polymer, monomers and additives with the Health and Safety Executive, including whether any upstream coverage applies. Request the supplier's documented position and safety data sheet. Have someone with scientific competence assess chemical classification and labelling. Arrange testing and certification support around the intended use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of cyclic olefin polymer resin pellets under 3902 90 90 99, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 6% is £1,170. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £20,670, so it is £4,134. Import taxes total £5,304; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,170 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match bag labels, manufacturer, grade and batch numbers to the purchase order and certificate of analysis.
Pellets: spread samples on a white tray and check for black specks, fines, discolouration and foreign pellets.
Performance: check melt flow and thermal properties against the agreed methods, then compare moulded samples for haze, colour, distortion and cracking.
Packing: check sealed liners, damaged bags and moisture exposure on arrival; retain a labelled sample from each batch. Use the quality inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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What goes wrong
A clear pellet sample can conceal a mismatch that appears after moulding. Different grades or substituted copolymers can change flow, heat response and optical performance. Black specks become visible in transparent parts, while mixed batches make process settings inconsistent. Compare production material with the approved grade using your own tooling.
An optical-grade claim does not establish suitability for your reagents or sterilisation process. A certificate for another grade or batch leaves the delivered resin unverified. Keep material awaiting acceptance separate from approved stock, and record any change in producer, formulation or processing instructions.
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 cyclic olefin polymer resin from China?
Budget 6% under candidate code 3902 90 90 99, subject to classification. The supplied tariff reading lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its restricted suspension is not a general cyclic olefin polymer exemption.
Does cyclic olefin polymer resin need UK REACH registration?
Confirm the registration position for the polymer, monomers and additives with the Health and Safety Executive, including whether upstream coverage applies. Obtain a documented position for the supplied composition.
Can cyclic olefin copolymer replace cyclic olefin polymer?
Treat it as a proposed material change. Compare composition, flow, thermal and optical properties, then trial it in your tooling and intended use before accepting substitution.
What should I check when the resin arrives?
Check grade and batch identity, sealed packing, contamination and the batch certificate. Retain samples and run the agreed moulding and property checks before releasing the material to production.