Sourcing Diethylenetriamine from China

Diethylenetriamine duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2921 covers amine-function compounds. For diethylenetriamine, check the residual acyclic polyamine line 2921 29 00 90. The table repeats that line for purchasing descriptions, rather than presenting separate tariff classifications.

The supplied tariff record shows 6% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing duty on this line. Its suspension concerns a different named substance, not diethylenetriamine. The UK Trade Tariff also attaches an export waste control; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance to your transaction.

Confirm the substance identity, composition and commodity code before shipping, particularly for solutions or formulated products. See the wider amines guide for neighbouring substances.

Specify assay, water and intended use

Specify diethylenetriamine by its full chemical name and supplier substance identifier. Agree assay, water content, colour, impurity profile and test methods in the purchase specification. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and a retained sample. For resin processing, trial the sample in your own formulation before accepting the production specification.

For Great Britain, confirm UK REACH registration responsibilities with HSE before importing. Registration is per substance and legal entity. Confirm the applicable classification, labelling and packaging responsibilities before placing chemicals on the market. Obtain the English safety data sheet and agree handling and packaging with the supplier before dispatch.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of diethylenetriamine under 2921 29 00 90, invoiced at £44,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £48,000. Duty at 6% is £2,880. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £50,880, so it is £10,176. Import taxes total £13,056; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,880 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the chemical name, batch reference and supplier details across the drums, certificate of analysis and safety data sheet.

Analysis: compare assay, water and colour results with the agreed specification; arrange independent testing where batch evidence is incomplete.

Packaging: check drum compatibility, closures, seals and signs of leakage before accepting the delivery.

Documents: check that the label and safety data sheet describe the supplied material and that the shipment records preserve batch traceability.

What goes wrong

A generic amine certificate can conceal the wrong substance or an unagreed impurity profile. A batch may meet the supplier's assay specification yet fail your water or colour limits. Agree acceptance criteria and test methods before ordering, and keep suspect batches separate pending investigation.

Different names across the invoice, drums and safety data sheet create avoidable uncertainty. Do not assume the suspension shown against the residual code covers every substance within it. Resolve identity, classification and document discrepancies before shipment.

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.