Sourcing dry shampoo from China
Dry shampoo within heading 3305 carries 0% UK duty from China across the supplied tariff lines. Before sale in Great Britain, arrange a UK Responsible Person, a cosmetic safety assessment, a product information file and notification. Specify the powder and dispenser together. Cambridge China Bridge sources dry shampoo.
UK duty on dry shampoo from China
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, heading 3305 covers preparations for use on the hair. Its supplied lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. Import VAT is 20%.
The tariff attaches an export control of mercury to every supplied line. Official mercury guidance concerns products with intentionally added mercury or mercury compounds. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether any requirement applies to your formulation and shipment.
The table repeats the shampoo line for different dry shampoo formats, rather than presenting separate tariff subdivisions. Confirm the commodity code using the formulation, function and presentation before declaring goods. See the hair conditioners guide for wider hair preparations.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerosol dry shampoo, subject to classification confirmation | 3305 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the powder, finish and dispenser
Choose aerosol or loose powder, tinted or untinted, and the fragrance profile. Agree an absorbent powder blend, appearance after brushing, feel at the roots and transfer onto clothing. Compare samples on dark and light hair against a retained approval sample.
Obtain the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor, including the propellant for aerosol products. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with the Office for Product Safety and Standards the applicable arrangements for a UK Responsible Person, safety report, product information file and cosmetic notification. Agree that changes to the powder, fragrance, propellant or packaging need your approval.
For aerosol versions, request safety and leak-test records for the filled pack and approve the can, valve, actuator and cap together. Official guidance allows UKCA or reversed epsilon marking for aerosol dispensers placed on the Great Britain market. Have the applicable marking reviewed alongside the cosmetic artwork.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 200 cartons of aerosol dry shampoo, subject to classification confirmation under 3305 10 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,600, so it is £1,320. 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
Performance: compare oil absorption, visible residue, brush-out and colour transfer with the approved sample. Check tinted versions separately.
Dispensing: check spray consistency, valve operation and clogging after repeated use. For loose powder, check that the outlet delivers controllable amounts and closes securely.
Pack integrity: check fill against the agreed specification, leakage, dented cans, loose caps and powder escaping into cartons. Match the delivered components to the approved pack.
Artwork and traceability: check ingredient listing, batch identification, durability information, function, warnings and the Responsible Person’s details against approved artwork. Match the batch to production records.
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What goes wrong
Watch for powder that leaves a pale cast, tinted residue that transfers onto collars, and a fragrance that differs from the sample. A dispenser can produce an uneven cloud or clog even when the formula looks acceptable. Test the filled production pack rather than approving the powder and container separately.
A supplier’s ingredient list alone does not provide the quantitative formula needed for the safety assessment. Settle confidential disclosure before ordering. Hold stock with unresolved formula or artwork changes for review before sale.
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 dry shampoo from China?
The supplied heading 3305 lines all carry 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded. Import VAT is 20%. Confirm the code for your formulation.
What paperwork do I need to sell dry shampoo in Britain?
For Great Britain, confirm with the Office for Product Safety and Standards the applicable arrangements for a UK Responsible Person, assessment by a qualified cosmetic safety assessor, a product information file and notification before sale. Obtain the full quantitative formula from the factory.
Does aerosol dry shampoo need UKCA marking?
Official aerosol guidance allows UKCA or reversed epsilon marking for the Great Britain market. Have the filled dispenser’s compliance route and artwork checked before production.
How do I check dry shampoo quality before shipment?
Compare production samples with your approved sample for residue, oil absorption, fragrance and transfer. Check dispensing, clogging, leakage and fill using the actual finished packaging.