Sourcing detergent proteases from China
Detergent protease enzymes from China carry 0% UK duty across the relevant lines. Check chemical safety responsibilities and the veterinary control attached to the residual enzyme line before shipping. Agree activity tests and storage conditions before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources detergent protease enzymes.
Zero duty and a source-dependent control
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 3507 covers enzymes and prepared enzymes not elsewhere specified or included. The relevant lines for detergent proteases carry 0% duty from China. The supplied tariff facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions.
Aspergillus alkaline protease has a named line, 3507 90 30 00. Other enzyme preparations may fall under 3507 90 90 90, which carries a veterinary control. Confirm enzyme origin and carrier ingredients with the supplier. The importer should confirm the applicable veterinary requirement with their customs broker before shipping. The table repeats the residual code for different supply forms; these are not separate tariff subdivisions.
Confirm the commodity code using the enzyme identity, complete preparation composition and intended use. This guide concerns enzyme ingredients for detergent manufacture. See the wider enzymes guide for other enzyme applications.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspergillus alkaline protease | 3507 90 30 00 | 0% | None |
| Other detergent protease preparations, liquid | 3507 90 90 90 | 0% | None |
Specify activity in your detergent formulation
Specify the enzyme identity, production strain, liquid or granulated form, carrier and stabilisers. Agree activity units, assay method, assay temperature and acidity or alkalinity. Require the batch certificate of analysis to use the agreed method. State storage conditions and the activity expected after the agreed storage period.
Test the sample in your detergent base, including its surfactants and other ingredients. Compare cleaning performance and retained activity after storage. For granules, agree particle size, coating integrity and dust acceptance criteria. For liquids, agree appearance, viscosity and compatibility with your dosing equipment.
Many proteases are respiratory sensitisers, so check the sensitiser warnings and safety data sheet described in the wider guide. Review UK REACH responsibilities by substance and legal entity. If you supply the chemicals onward, pass safety data sheet information to your customers.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of liquid detergent protease preparation in bulk containers under 3507 90 90 90, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,800, so it is £4,760. 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
Activity: test a retained arrival sample using the contracted assay and compare it with the batch certificate.
Form: inspect granules for broken coatings and dust; inspect liquids for separation and changes in appearance or viscosity.
Packing: check seals, leakage, batch identification and evidence that agreed transport and storage conditions were maintained.
Documents: match the supplied grade to its certificate, safety data sheet, enzyme-source declaration and carrier composition.
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What goes wrong
A supplier's activity result can look acceptable while using a different assay from the buyer's. Protease can lose activity during warm transport or storage, and performance in the finished detergent can differ from performance in the laboratory assay. Qualify the formulation sample and repeat the agreed activity test on arrival.
Damaged granules release dust, liquid packs leak, and incomplete source declarations leave the veterinary control unresolved. Agree packing and transport conditions before dispatch, and resolve the customs query before the shipment leaves China.
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 detergent protease enzymes from China?
The relevant lines carry 0% duty from China in the supplied tariff facts, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The residual enzyme line carries a veterinary control.
Which commodity code covers detergent protease?
Aspergillus alkaline protease has the named code 3507 90 30 00. Other preparations may use 3507 90 90 90. Confirm the enzyme identity and full composition before declaring.
Should I buy liquid or granulated protease?
Choose against your detergent formulation and dosing process. Compare retained activity, handling, dust, coating integrity and compatibility using supplier samples.
How do I check enzyme activity on arrival?
Use the assay method, activity units and test conditions agreed in the contract. Compare the arrival sample with the batch certificate and assess performance in your detergent base.