Sourcing ethyl isocyanate from China
Ethyl isocyanate from China at a purity by weight of at least 98% carries 6% UK duty, with no listed suspension or trade remedy. Before sale in Great Britain, ensure correct labelling and packaging and check UK REACH registration obligations. Cambridge China Bridge sources ethyl isocyanate.
Ethyl isocyanate duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2929 covers compounds with other nitrogen function. Ethyl isocyanate, chemical identifier 109-90-0, has a dedicated line at 2929 10 00 65 where purity by weight is 98% or more. The table entries share this commodity code.
Goods from China under this line carry 6% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no autonomous tariff suspension for this line. Suspensions for other named isocyanates do not establish relief for ethyl isocyanate.
Confirm identity, composition and purity using the commodity code guide, especially for lower-purity material or solutions. The tariff attaches an export control labelled “Export control - Waste”. Environment Agency guidance says waste shipment controls apply only to waste. For waste material or a proposed return shipment, confirm the applicable requirements with your customs broker.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethyl isocyanate, purity by weight at least 98%, for laboratory use | 2929 10 00 65 | 6% | None |
Specify identity, assay and pack integrity
Write ethyl isocyanate and identifier 109-90-0 into the purchase specification. Agree the assay method, minimum purity by weight, impurity profile, water content, acidity and appearance. Ask the producer to identify any solvent or additive and supply batch-specific analytical results.
Agree container and closure materials, seal arrangements, storage conditions and a sampling procedure with the supplier and receiving laboratory. Request an English safety data sheet matching the actual composition. Before supplying the GB market, ensure correct labelling and packaging and establish whether UK REACH registration is required.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 kg of ethyl isocyanate in sealed packs under 2929 10 00 65, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,980. Duty at 6% is £298.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,278.80, so it is £1,055.76. Import taxes total £1,354.56; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £298.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the product name and identifier across the purchase order, safety data sheet, labels and certificate of analysis.
Analysis: compare the batch assay and impurity results with the agreed specification; arrange independent testing through a laboratory able to handle the material.
Packaging: check seals, closures, damage and signs of leakage without opening containers during a general warehouse inspection.
Traceability: match batch references and quantities to the packing list, and retain photographs and analytical records.
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What goes wrong
A purity figure without its test method can leave the buyer unable to compare batches. A generic safety data sheet may describe a different composition, while damaged closures can compromise acceptance. Agree rejection criteria before dispatch and hold suspect packs for specialist assessment.
Do not assume that another isocyanate's suspension applies to this product. Resolve classification and chemical supply responsibilities before dispatch. For the wider heading, see phenyl isocyanate and related tariff checks.
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 ethyl isocyanate from China?
Ethyl isocyanate of at least 98% purity by weight under 2929 10 00 65 carries 6% duty. The supplied tariff record lists no suspension or anti-dumping or countervailing duty for this line.
Does lower-purity ethyl isocyanate use the same commodity code?
The dedicated line specifies purity by weight of 98% or more. Have your broker confirm classification for lower-purity material or solutions using the full composition.
Do I need UK REACH registration?
Check whether your import requires registration under UK REACH before ordering. Give your adviser the substance identity, annual import quantity, intended use and any existing registration arrangements.
What should I check when ethyl isocyanate arrives?
Check identity, batch references, analytical results, seals and signs of leakage against the agreed specification. Arrange sampling through a suitably equipped laboratory.