Sourcing cyclohexanedimethanol from China

Cyclohexanedimethanol duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, cyclohexanedimethanol identified as cyclohex-1,4-ylenedimethanol, CAS 105-08-8, falls under 2906 19 00 10. Heading 2906 covers cyclic alcohols and their specified derivatives. The Chinese-origin duty is 0%, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension on this line. Import VAT is normally 20%.

The tariff attaches an export waste control to this line. Ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to the shipment rather than treating it as an import licence requirement. For waste entering England, the importer is responsible for correct waste classification and shipment controls; establish those controls before arranging a waste shipment from China.

Match the substance identity and composition to the commodity code, particularly where the supplier offers a solution or blend. Only the specifically named cyclohexanedimethanol line is shown here. See the cyclohexanol guide for the wider heading.

Specify isomer balance and resin performance

Specify the chemical identity, cis/trans balance, assay, water content, acidity, colour and physical form. Agree test methods and acceptance limits with your process team. State whether the order is the neat substance or a solution, and identify every solvent or additive. Request a batch certificate of analysis and retain an approved sample for comparison.

For a resin application, trial the sample in your own formulation before approving bulk material. Compare processing behaviour and the resulting resin against your existing material. Agree packaging, storage and unloading conditions for the supplied form.

For Great Britain, check UK REACH registration responsibilities when annual imports of the substance reach one tonne or more. Chemical classification is an importer responsibility, and substances must be labelled and packaged correctly before being placed on the market. Review the supplier's safety data sheet with your chemical adviser rather than using a purity certificate as compliance evidence.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of cyclohexanedimethanol under 2906 19 00 10, invoiced at £6,700 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,200, so it is £1,640. 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 purchase order, package labels and batch certificate to the agreed substance and composition.

Analysis: check assay, cis/trans balance, water, acidity and colour against the agreed limits; arrange independent testing where necessary.

Packaging: check seals, leaks, contamination, net weight and suitability for the agreed storage and unloading conditions.

Process: compare a retained arrival sample with the approved sample and investigate any change in formulation performance.

What goes wrong

A certificate reporting only overall purity can leave the isomer balance, water or acidity unchecked. A substituted grade or an undeclared solution may meet a broad product description while failing your formulation. Make the purchase specification and batch test methods part of the order.

Damaged seals, contamination and a supplied form that your site cannot unload can make an otherwise acceptable batch unusable. Hold disputed material separately, preserve samples and batch records, and agree the investigation before blending it into production. Use testing and certification support to define the evidence needed.

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.