Sourcing EAA pellets from China

6% duty, with a conditional suspension

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3901 covers polymers of ethylene in primary forms. For ethylene acrylic acid copolymer pellets, compare the listed copolymer under 3901 90 80 53 with the residual line 3901 90 80 99. The table also distinguishes zinc or sodium salts and the related methacrylic acid copolymer, which should not be ordered as interchangeable grades.

The supplied tariff record shows 6% base duty and no anti-dumping or countervailing measure on these lines for China. Listed grades under 3901 90 80 53 and 3901 90 80 55 have a 0% suspension, excluding mixtures, preparations and products containing different components. The suspension under 3901 90 80 99 names other polymers, so it does not provide a general exemption for these pellets.

The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For material offered as waste from China, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker. For imports into England under notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Confirm the commodity code using composition and test results; see the ionomer pellets guide for related heading coverage.

Specify acid content and melt flow

Specify unneutralised ethylene acrylic acid copolymer or a neutralised salt, the producer's grade, acrylic acid content, melt flow rate and its test temperature and load. Record additives, recycled content, pellet appearance and bag construction. Agree acceptance criteria against a retained sample and a trial in your coating, laminating or extrusion process.

Ask for the supplier's composition and registration position. Your business must identify and manage chemical risks when placing substances on the Great Britain market. For food-contact applications, request a grade-specific declaration of compliance and supporting migration testing for the intended use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial order: one tonne of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer pellets outside the listed suspension specification under 3901 90 80 99, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,500. Duty at 6% is £270. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,770, so it is £954. Import taxes total £1,224; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £270 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match bag labels, producer, grade and batch numbers to the order and certificate of analysis; confirm whether the material is unneutralised or a salt.

Composition: check acrylic acid content and declared additives against the approved specification; investigate undisclosed recycled material or blending.

Flow and performance: compare melt flow results obtained at the agreed temperature and load; trial adhesion, seal behaviour and coating appearance on your substrate.

Packing: inspect seals, liners and pallet wrapping for damage; check pellets for black specks, fines, mixed colours and clumping. Use the inspection guide to define sampling.

What goes wrong

A similar grade name can hide a different acid content, neutralisation state or additive package. Melt flow results measured under different conditions can appear comparable while the material behaves differently on your line. Treat weak adhesion, unstable coating and visible gels as reasons to investigate the lot before production.

A supplier may describe an entire range as duty-free although only the listed composition qualifies. Blends can also fall outside the suspension. Keep composition evidence separate from commercial grade names, and hold damaged or contaminated bags apart from accepted stock.

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.