Sourcing epichlorohydrin rubber from China

Duty on epichlorohydrin rubber in primary forms

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 4002 covers synthetic rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. This guide concerns epichlorohydrin rubber in primary forms only. The table repeats the residual line for different polymer types, rather than suggesting separate tariff codes. Treat 4002 99 90 00 as a classification candidate pending review of the actual composition.

Every supplied line carries 0% duty for goods from China, with no recorded anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The tariff attaches waste import and export controls. Waste shipment controls apply only to waste; for Chinese material whose waste status or applicable procedure is uncertain, confirm the requirement with your customs broker before shipping.

Confirm the commodity code using the technical data sheet, composition and physical form. Rubber already mixed with fillers or curatives belongs to compounded rubber heading 4005. See the wider synthetic rubber guide. The worked order values are illustrative, not a supplier quotation.

Specify polymer composition and cure behaviour

Write down whether the grade is a homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer, and identify its constituent monomers. Specify Mooney viscosity, volatile matter, ash, stabiliser package and supply form against an approved sample. Ask the factory to disclose additives and any modification with plastics before accepting a commodity code.

Ask your compounder to compare the proposed grade in the intended recipe, including mixing behaviour, cure curve and the properties needed for the finished seal or hose. Agree packing and storage instructions. Confirm with HSE how UK REACH registration requirements, any polymer exemption and upstream coverage apply to the polymer, monomers and additives.

For sale in Great Britain, classification and labelling of substances and mixtures must comply with mandatory classification and labelling where relevant. Review the actual grade and its chemical information rather than borrowing the hazard assessment for epichlorohydrin monomer.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of epichlorohydrin rubber bales for a business compounder under 4002 99 90 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £42,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £42,000, so it is £8,400. 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 the manufacturer, polymer type, grade and batch markings to the purchase specification and certificate of analysis.

Batch properties: compare sampled Mooney viscosity, volatile matter and ash with the agreed limits and approved lot.

Cure behaviour: mix the agreed recipe and compare the cure curve and finished test pieces with the approved material.

Packing: check wrapping, contamination, bale adhesion, cold flow and net weight; retain labelled samples for any batch dispute.

What goes wrong

A similar trade name can conceal a different polymer composition or additive package. A viscosity change can alter processing, while a different cure response can require changes to the compounder's recipe. Approve the material through a mixing and curing trial before accepting a substitution.

Poor wrapping and storage can leave bales contaminated or stuck together. Keep batch records and arrival photographs, and compare retained samples before attributing a problem to the factory or transport. Agree the checks through 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.