Sourcing depilatory wax from China
Depilatory wax from China carries 6% UK duty under 3307 90 00 00, with no variation within this family. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with OPSS the UK-established Responsible Person, cosmetic safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements. Cambridge China Bridge sources depilatory wax.
UK duty on depilatory wax
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3307 includes depilatories. Prepared depilatory wax falls within its other-preparations line, 3307 90 00 00, carrying 6% duty for goods from China. The table shows wax formats sharing this commodity line. For related products within the wider heading, see depilatory creams.
The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line. It attaches mercury import and export controls. Official mercury guidance says controls apply where mercury or a mercury compound has been intentionally added. Ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the actual formulation and transaction. Import VAT is 20%.
Confirm the formulation, intended hair-removal use and presentation through the commodity code guide. Identify any heater or accessories separately when seeking classification advice. The cosmetic compliance discussion below concerns sales in Great Britain.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard depilatory wax beads | 3307 90 00 00 | 6% | None |
Specify melting, application and removal
Specify hard wax removed without strips or soft wax removed with strips. Agree the resin and wax blend, fragrance, colour, intended body areas and pack format. Ask for the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor under confidentiality. Require written approval before ingredient substitutions.
Agree melting and application conditions, spreading consistency, setting behaviour, flexibility and removal performance against retained samples. For cartridges, specify the applicator fit and check flow using the intended equipment. Test the actual wax in its final pack for stability, leakage and compatibility.
Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a qualified cosmetic safety assessment and confirm the UK-established Responsible Person, safety report, product information file and notification requirements. Ask the assessor to review heating instructions, intended body areas and use conditions. Review ingredient restrictions and support product claims before approving artwork.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 kg of hard depilatory wax beads; FOB value and freight are illustrative. 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
Wax: compare colour, fragrance and consistency with retained samples; check beads or blocks for contamination, unexpected clumping and uneven appearance.
Performance: compare melting, spreading, setting and removal under the agreed test conditions; check hard wax for brittleness and soft wax for excessive residue.
Packaging: check fill quantity, seals, closures and leakage; inspect cartridges for damage and test applicator fit and flow.
Labels and records: match batch codes to production records and the assessed formula; check ingredients, function, warnings, durability information and Responsible Person details against approved artwork.
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What goes wrong
A changed resin blend can make hard wax crack during removal or leave soft wax too sticky. A sample tested under different heating conditions can hide poor production performance. Retain approved samples and compare batches using the same equipment and method.
Heat during transport can deform blocks, fuse beads or expose weak seals. Fragrance or colour substitutions can also leave the assessment and label describing a different formula. Agree change approval and packed-product checks before shipment; use testing and certification support where 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on depilatory wax from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 6% under 3307 90 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Import VAT is 20%.
Can I sell Chinese depilatory wax under my own brand?
Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a qualified cosmetic safety assessment and confirm the UK-established Responsible Person, product information file and notification requirements. Review the actual formula and label.
What specifications should I give a depilatory wax factory?
Specify hard or soft wax, the quantitative formula, intended body areas, heating and application conditions, setting and removal behaviour, fragrance and packaging. Agree retained samples and written change approval.
What should I check when depilatory wax arrives?
Check appearance, clumping, fill, seals and cartridge fit. Compare melting, spreading, setting and removal with retained samples under agreed conditions. Match batch records and labels to the assessed formula.