Sourcing dishwasher detergent tablets from China
Dishwasher detergent tablets from China carry 4% UK duty under the retail or non-retail washing-preparation lines, so the relevant duty range is a single rate. Importers placing them on the Great Britain market must comply with the Detergents Regulation. Cambridge China Bridge sources dishwasher detergent tablets.
4% duty on dishwasher detergent tablets
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, heading 3402 covers surface-active agents and preparations, washing preparations and cleaning preparations. For dishwasher detergent tablets, compare retail washing preparations under 3402 50 90 00 with non-retail washing preparations under 3402 90 90 00. The surface-active preparation rows are classification comparisons, rather than automatic alternatives for finished tablets.
Both washing-preparation lines carry 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control in the supplied tariff facts. The comparison line 3402 90 10 90 has a conditional suspension for specified preparations; do not apply it to dishwasher tablets merely because they contain surfactants.
Confirm the commodity code using the complete formulation, intended use and packaging before calculating landed cost. See the wider cleaning-products guide for other products within this heading. For laundry products, see our laundry detergent sourcing guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing and cleaning preparations in retail packs, including dishwasher tablets | 3402 50 90 00 | 4% | None |
| Non-retail washing and cleaning preparations, including bulk dishwasher tablets | 3402 90 90 00 | 4% | None |
| Retail surface-active preparations; compare classification with cleaning preparations | 3402 50 10 00 | 4% | None |
| Other non-retail surface-active preparations; formulation-dependent alternative | 3402 90 10 90 | 4% | None |
Specify the tablet and its wash performance
Specify domestic or professional use, tablet mass and dimensions, compressed or layered construction, fragrance, enzymes, bleaching ingredients and whether any wrapper is removed or dissolves. Agree the wash programme, water hardness, soil types and acceptable residue against an approved sample. Define pack count, moisture protection, batch identification and storage instructions.
For Great Britain, detergent labels must provide the required information in English. Manufacturers must hold ultimate biodegradability test results for the competent authority. Request the formulation and supporting surfactant test records before approving production. Confirm with HSE which chemical hazard labels and safety data sheets are required for the mixture.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial pallet of retail-packed dishwasher detergent tablets under 3402 50 90 00, invoiced at £4,500 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,700. Duty at 4% is £268. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,968, so it is £1,393.60. Import taxes total £1,661.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £268 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Tablet condition: compare mass, dimensions and layer integrity with the approved sample; check chipped edges, powder, swelling and tablets stuck together.
Wash performance: test dissolution and food-soil removal on the agreed programme and water hardness; inspect glasses and dishes for film, spotting and undissolved material.
Packaging: check wrapper instructions, seal integrity, moisture protection, pack count and batch identification; inspect cartons for dampness and crushing.
Documents: match the formulation, label artwork and supporting reports to the delivered batch. Use the quality inspection guide to agree checks before shipment.
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What goes wrong
Moisture can leave tablets swollen, soft or stuck together. Tablets that look like the approved sample may dissolve differently or leave deposits when the formulation, compression or wrapper changes. Check these failure modes during sample approval and repeat the agreed wash test on production samples.
A generic safety data sheet does not establish that the delivered formulation matches the tested sample. Keep an approved reference sample and require written agreement before ingredient, wrapper or packaging changes. Ask for testing and certification support when the supplier's records do not answer the buyer's questions.
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 dishwasher tablets from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 4% for retail washing preparations under 3402 50 90 00 and non-retail washing preparations under 3402 90 90 00, with no trade remedy or suspension on either line.
Can I sell dishwasher tablets with Chinese-only labels?
For the Great Britain market, the required detergent label information must be provided in English. Check the artwork against the actual formulation before printing.
How do I check dishwasher tablets before shipment?
Compare tablet condition, dissolution, cleaning and residue with the approved sample using the agreed wash programme and water hardness. Check seals, moisture protection and pack count.
Should dishwasher tablet wrappers be removed?
Specify whether the wrapper is removable or water-soluble. Test the supplied tablet and wrapper together against the agreed instructions, and check that the packaging explains how to use them.