Sourcing diacetyl from China
Unmixed diacetyl from China carries 4% UK duty under the residual acyclic-ketone line, with no diacetyl suspension or trade remedy shown in the supplied tariff record. Worker exposure to its fumes must be controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Cambridge China Bridge sources diacetyl.
Diacetyl duty: 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2914 covers ketones and quinones and their specified derivatives. Unmixed diacetyl falls within the residual acyclic-ketone line 2914 19 90 90, carrying 4% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is shown. The table repeats this line for different buying applications and packaging, rather than representing separate tariff classifications.
The line has a 0% suspension restricted to named substances, including qualifying acetylacetone and methyl isopropyl ketone. It does not cover diacetyl. The supplied tariff record also attaches dangerous-chemical export and waste-export controls. Ask your customs broker to confirm their relevance and any requirement for your China-to-UK shipment.
Confirm the commodity code against the actual composition and intended presentation. Do not assume a diluted flavouring preparation shares the code for unmixed diacetyl. For related substances and the wider heading, see acetylacetone sourcing.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diacetyl, unmixed, for industrial use | 2914 19 90 90 | 4% | None |
Specify diacetyl identity, grade and handling
State whether you want unmixed diacetyl or a formulated flavouring, and identify the intended industrial, laboratory or food application. Agree assay, water content, impurity profile, analytical methods and acceptance criteria in writing. Request a batch certificate of analysis, a safety data sheet and details of any added carrier or stabiliser.
For food applications, ask for evidence supporting the intended use and grade before approving the order. A butter-like odour is not an identity or suitability test. Review your UK REACH position for the proposed use and annual import volume rather than relying on the supplier's general registration statement.
Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before market supply. Worker exposure to diacetyl fumes must be controlled under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations. Agree a sampling and transfer procedure with your workplace safety adviser before delivery.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Sealed drums of unmixed diacetyl for a small production trial, illustrative only under 2914 19 90 90, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,480. Duty at 4% is £179.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,659.20, so it is £931.84. Import taxes total £1,111.04; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £179.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the purchase specification, container labels, safety data sheet and batch analysis to diacetyl; investigate any reference to acetylacetone or an unspecified butter flavour.
Analysis: compare assay, water and impurities with the agreed limits and methods; arrange independent testing through testing and certification where needed.
Packaging: check closures, seals, leakage, container damage and batch markings before accepting the delivery; photograph discrepancies while containers remain closed.
Sampling: use the agreed controlled procedure and preserve batch traceability; avoid opening containers merely to judge their smell.
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What goes wrong
Buying by a flavour description can leave the buyer with a diluted preparation rather than the unmixed substance ordered. A generic analysis sheet may also fail to identify the delivered batch. Put composition, analytical acceptance and batch identification into the purchase specification, then compare the delivery with those documents.
Leaking closures and uncontrolled opening create handling problems as well as stock losses. HSE warns that diacetyl vapour can cause severe and irreversible lung disease. Quarantine damaged or unidentified containers and arrange assessment under your site's chemical-handling procedure.
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 diacetyl from China?
Unmixed diacetyl under 2914 19 90 90 carries 4% duty. The supplied tariff record shows no applicable diacetyl suspension, anti-dumping duty or countervailing duty.
Can I claim the acetylacetone duty suspension for diacetyl?
No. The suspension names other substances and does not cover diacetyl, even though they share the residual commodity line.
What should a diacetyl batch certificate show?
Ask for batch identity, assay, water content, relevant impurities and analytical methods, with results assessed against your agreed specification.
Is food-use diacetyl safe to handle in bulk?
Food use does not establish safe bulk handling. HSE warns of severe and irreversible lung disease from diacetyl vapour; workplace exposure to its fumes must be controlled.