Sourcing diatomite and kieselguhr from China
Siliceous fossil meals from China, such as diatomite, kieselguhr and tripolite, and similar siliceous earths, pay 0% UK duty under the single code 2512 00 00 00, with no anti-dumping duty. Diatomite is used as a filter aid, filler and absorbent. Calcined grades can contain crystalline silica, so dust controls and a safety data sheet matter, and filter aids for drinks need food-use evidence.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, heading 2512 covers siliceous fossil meals (for example kieselguhr, tripolite and diatomite) and similar siliceous earths, whether or not calcined, of an apparent specific gravity of 1 or less. It is a single code carrying 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. New material clears the tariff's waste import control on a declaration that it is not waste under the retained waste shipments regulation.
Activated carbon and other filter aids are covered in our activated carbon and filter aids guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siliceous fossil meals and similar siliceous earths | 2512 00 00 00 | 0% | None |
Grades, dust and food use
Specify natural, calcined or flux-calcined grade, permeability or flow rate, particle size, wet density, pH, soluble iron and heavy metals, and crystalline silica content. Calcined and flux-calcined diatomite can contain crystalline silica, so ask for the safety data sheet and plan dust controls.
Diatomite used as a filter aid for beer, wine, juice or oil must be suitable for food use; ask for the supplier's food-grade specification and test results.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 10 tonnes of flux-calcined diatomite filter aid under 2512 00 00 00, invoiced at £6,500 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £8,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £8,000, so it is £1,600. 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
Grade: check permeability and particle size against the grade sheet.
Purity: check soluble iron, heavy metals and crystalline silica for food and pharmaceutical grades.
Packing: check bags for damage and dust leakage. See our quality inspection guide.
What goes wrong
Diatomite orders fail on grade, purity and dust. Flow rate differs from the grade, soluble iron taints drinks, and bags split and release dust.
Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial minerals and materials for UK users from small lots; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on diatomite from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, diatomite and kieselguhr under 2512 00 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Is calcined diatomite hazardous?
Calcined grades can contain crystalline silica, so they need dust controls and a safety data sheet.
Can diatomite be used to filter beer?
Yes, if it is a food-grade filter aid; ask for the supplier's food-use specification and tests.
What does permeability mean for a filter aid?
How fast liquid flows through the cake; it sets the clarity and throughput.