Sourcing depilatory creams from China
Depilatory creams from China carry 6% UK duty under the other preparations line of heading 3307, with no duty variation across the cream types shown here. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the UK Responsible Person, safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements with the relevant authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources depilatory creams.
UK duty on depilatory creams
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 3307 covers depilatories alongside shaving, deodorant, bath and other toilet preparations. Depilatory creams fall within the other preparations line, 3307 90 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing that code, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. For the wider heading, see shaving creams.
The supplied tariff data records 6% duty for goods from China, no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. Import VAT is 20%. This line also carries mercury import and export controls. The Environment Agency says these controls concern intentionally added mercury or mercury compounds. Have your customs broker confirm the applicable requirement for the actual formulation before shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the formula, intended use and presentation, particularly for packs containing additional products or accessories.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body depilatory creams | 3307 90 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify the formula and intended treatment area
State whether the cream is intended for the body or face, and identify excluded treatment areas. Agree the application method, removal method, contact-time instructions and warnings with the safety assessor. Ask for the complete quantitative formulation under confidentiality before committing to printed packaging.
For sale in Great Britain, confirm the UK Responsible Person, product information file, qualified safety assessment and notification requirements with the relevant authority before placing the product on the market. Ensure claims have supporting evidence. The label must identify the depilatory function: calling the product only a cream is insufficient.
Specify viscosity, colour, fragrance, fill quantity and closure performance against approved samples. Request stability and packaging-compatibility evidence for the actual formula in the proposed tube or bottle. Require approval before ingredient, fragrance or packaging substitutions.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order only: 200 kg of packaged depilatory cream under 3307 90 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 6% is £396. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,996, so it is £1,399.20. Import taxes total £1,795.20; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £396 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Formula: match the batch documentation to the assessed formulation and check agreed laboratory results against the purchase specification.
Cream: compare appearance, odour and consistency with retained samples; investigate separation, grittiness or unexpected changes.
Packaging: check tube seams, caps, seals, leakage and dispensing; verify that any supplied applicator matches the approved sample.
Labels: check the depilatory function, instructions, warnings, ingredient list, batch identification and durability information against approved artwork.
What goes wrong
A sample can look acceptable while the production formula, fragrance or packaging differs. An ingredient list alone does not provide the quantitative formulation needed for the safety assessment. Resolve disclosure before ordering, and keep production batches tied to the assessed formula.
Watch for cream separation, leaking tube seams, unreadable batch marks and instructions that do not match the approved treatment area. Hold affected stock while investigating the discrepancy. Arrival inspection should complement the safety assessment and stability work.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on depilatory creams from China?
The supplied tariff data gives 6% for 3307 90 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. Import VAT is 20%.
What paperwork do I need before selling depilatory cream?
For Great Britain, confirm the UK Responsible Person, product information file, qualified safety assessment and cosmetic product notification requirements with the relevant authority before placing the cream on the market.
Can the factory keep the depilatory cream formula confidential?
Agree confidential disclosure of the complete quantitative formula to your safety assessor. A retail ingredient list alone is insufficient for the formulation-based assessment.
What should I check when depilatory creams arrive?
Check batch identity, consistency, separation, fill quantity, leakage and approved artwork. Match the instructions and warnings to the assessed formula and intended treatment area.