Sourcing doped CdTe wafers from China

Zero duty on doped compound wafers

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3818 covers doped chemical elements in discs, wafers or similar forms and chemical compounds doped for electronics. Doped cadmium telluride wafers belong within the other doped compounds line, 3818 00 90 00, subject to confirmation of the actual goods.

That line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or import control for it. The table distinguishes wafer specifications sharing this code, rather than separate tariff lines.

Give your broker the composition, dopant, processing state and intended electronic use to confirm the commodity code. For wider heading context, see the doped gallium arsenide wafer guide.

Specify the crystal, dopant and surface

Specify cadmium telluride explicitly and exclude substitution with cadmium zinc telluride or mercury cadmium telluride. Agree dopant identity, concentration or compensation target, resistivity, crystal orientation, dimensions, thickness variation, flatness and edge finish. Define which faces are polished, surface roughness and acceptable scratches, pits and inclusions. Require batch-linked measurements with the methods and test conditions stated.

Before your first import of the material, check whether UK REACH registration is required. Establish the supplied material's hazard classification and obtain its handling information. If it is supplied as a hazardous chemical for workplace use, a safety data sheet is required. Agree the paperwork and testing scope through testing and certification support.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 200 doped cadmium telluride wafers polished on both faces; FOB and freight values are illustrative. under 3818 00 90 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,500, so it is £6,500. 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

Identity: match wafer containers, batch identifiers and analysis reports to the ordered cadmium telluride composition and dopant; query any report describing a different compound.

Geometry: measure dimensions, thickness variation and flatness against the purchase specification; verify crystal orientation and the agreed edge or orientation marking.

Electrical and surface: compare batch resistivity and dopant evidence with agreed limits and methods; inspect polished faces for scratches, pits, inclusions, residue and edge chips.

Packing: check individual separation, restraint and cushioning; photograph cracked wafers and damaged containers before unpacking further, and retain the batch and handling documents.

What goes wrong

A generic semiconductor certificate can conceal the wrong compound, an unverified dopant or measurements taken under unsuitable conditions. A polished appearance does not establish electrical performance. Require reports tied to the shipped batch and agree how disputed results will be checked before placing the order.

Edge chips, cracks and polishing residue can make otherwise matching wafers unusable. Keep suspect stock separate pending review. When planning cutting or grinding, assess harmful substances generated by the process and possible worker exposure, following HSE guidance. Agree the inspection scope using the quality inspection guide.

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.