Sourcing dibutyl ether from China
Dibutyl ether from China carries 4% UK duty under the proposed residual acyclic ether code, with no applicable suspension or listed trade remedy. Chemical suppliers must classify their goods and ensure correct labelling and packaging before supply. Cambridge China Bridge sources dibutyl ether.
Dibutyl ether duty: 4%
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2909 covers ethers and related compounds. For dibutyl ether, the proposed line is 2909 19 90 90, covering other acyclic ethers. Confirm the commodity code against the exact substance identity and composition, especially if the supplier offers a solvent blend.
The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on this line. Its 0.00 % suspension applies only to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, not dibutyl ether. Do not treat that suspension as a discount available to every chemical within the code.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control for fluorinated greenhouse gases and an export control for waste to this residual line. Ask your customs broker to confirm the import-control requirement for the declared dibutyl ether. The waste flag concerns exports; if buying recovered solvent, confirm whether the material is waste. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dibutyl ether | 2909 19 90 90 | 4% | None |
Specify dibutyl ether identity and batch quality
Name dibutyl ether explicitly rather than ordering by the word 'ether'. Ask the factory to identify the substance on its quotation, batch certificate of analysis and safety data sheet. Agree whether recovered material is acceptable and require disclosure of any stabiliser or other additive.
Set acceptance criteria for assay by gas chromatography, related organic impurities, water, acidity, colour and peroxide content. Agree the test methods, sampling arrangements and batch release evidence before ordering. Trial a representative sample in your process rather than accepting a general solvent-grade description.
Chemical classification is required regardless of the quantity supplied. Suppliers must ensure correct labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the market. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use need a safety data sheet. Ask HSE to confirm your UK REACH position for annual substance imports.
Agree container material, closures, seals and batch identification with the supplier and carrier. For other products within this heading, see the diethyl ether guide.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of dibutyl ether in sealed drums under 2909 19 90 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,980. Duty at 4% is £159.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,139.20, so it is £827.84. Import taxes total £987.04; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £159.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the ordered dibutyl ether to the invoice, safety data sheet, drum labels and batch certificate; investigate any different chemical name.
Batch tests: compare assay, impurity profile, water, acidity and peroxide results with the agreed specification using safely collected representative samples.
Packing: check seals, closures, corrosion, staining and leakage; reconcile container quantities and batch markings with the packing list.
Documents: check that the safety data sheet describes the supplied composition and that hazard labels match it. Arrange quality inspection around the agreed sampling and acceptance criteria.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A vague 'butyl ether' description can leave the identity unclear. Other rejection risks include undeclared recovered solvent, residual impurities, excessive water, unacceptable peroxide results and leaking closures. A certificate without a matching batch reference does not establish the quality of the delivered drums.
Keep suspect containers out of use while the supplier and a competent laboratory investigate. Agree how retained samples, disputed results and replacement material will be handled before shipment. Do not approve a batch solely because its headline purity matches the quotation.
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 dibutyl ether from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 4% under proposed code 2909 19 90 90, with no listed trade remedy. The suspension on that line names bis(2-chloroethyl) ether and does not cover dibutyl ether.
Does a small dibutyl ether order avoid chemical classification?
No. HSE says classification is required regardless of tonnage, volume or amount supplied. Check the classification, labelling and packaging before supply.
What should a dibutyl ether certificate of analysis show?
Ask for batch identity, assay, related impurities, water, acidity and peroxide results, with the agreed test methods. Match the certificate to the delivered containers.
Can I accept recovered dibutyl ether?
Agree its origin and impurity specification before ordering. Confirm whether it is a product or waste with an adviser; waste shipment controls apply where the material is waste.