Sourcing ethylene gas from China
Ethylene gas from China classified in heading 2711 pays 0% UK duty in both liquefied and gaseous forms. Confirm composition and physical state before selecting a code. Chemical classification and labelling need scientific competence, and hazardous workplace supplies need a safety data sheet. Cambridge China Bridge sources ethylene gas.
Ethylene duty within heading 2711
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 2711 covers petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons. The relevant lines are 2711 14 00 00 for liquefied ethylene alongside the other named gases, and 2711 29 00 00 for other hydrocarbons in the gaseous state. This guide concerns ethylene only where classified within this heading.
Both relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control on either line. The table repeats these codes for different purchasing uses; it does not represent additional tariff lines.
Give your customs broker the full composition, purity, physical state at import and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For high-purity ethylene, ask whether this heading applies before using these rates. See the propylene gas guide for related coverage of the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquefied ethylene for industrial use, where classified in this heading | 2711 14 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Gaseous ethylene for industrial use, where classified in this heading | 2711 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify ethylene composition and delivery equipment
Specify ethylene content and agreed limits for moisture, oxygen, acetylene, other hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds. Name the analytical methods and require a certificate of analysis tied to the supplied batch. State whether delivery is gaseous or liquefied, the net gas mass, container ownership, valve connection and compatibility with your receiving equipment.
For a new import into Great Britain, check UK REACH registration responsibilities before ordering. HSE states that importing a substance at or above 1 tonne per year requires registration. Chemical classification and labelling must be handled by someone with scientific competence; everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging.
A hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use needs a safety data sheet. Dangerous goods must be packaged and labelled appropriately for transport. Ask a specialist carrier to review the proposed containers and route before the supplier fills or dispatches them.
Employers must control workplace fire and explosion risks under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. Agree the receiving site's storage and handling arrangements before shipment, rather than treating the absence of tariff controls as approval for use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 500 kg of industrial ethylene in cylinders, assuming classification in this heading; illustrative only under 2711 29 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,800, so it is £1,160. 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
Analysis: match the batch certificate to the order and compare ethylene content and impurities with the agreed specification; arrange sampling through a competent gas laboratory.
Containers: check cylinder or vessel identities, visible damage, corrosion, valve protection and the inspection records agreed with your specialist.
Quantity: reconcile container counts, recorded tare and net gas mass with the packing list; compare filling records with the agreed delivery specification.
Documents: match gas identity, batch references, hazard labels and safety data sheet; have the receiving team review any discrepancy before connecting the supply.
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What goes wrong
A quoted purity can conceal unsuitable moisture or trace impurities. The certificate may describe a different batch, the valve connection may not fit the receiving system, or the delivery may contain less gas than ordered. A photograph of a cylinder cannot establish its contents or condition.
Settle batch testing, container acceptance and carrier arrangements before dispatch. Do not connect damaged containers or investigate suspected leaks by improvising a test. Have the receiving specialist assess the delivery and record discrepancies. Use the quality inspection guide to define the inspection brief.
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 ethylene gas from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% on 2711 14 00 00 and 2711 29 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your composition and physical state belong in these lines.
Does high-purity ethylene use the same commodity code?
Do not assume so. Give your customs broker the full composition and purity and ask whether heading 2711 applies before using this guide's rates.
What should an ethylene certificate of analysis show?
The supplied batch identity, ethylene content, agreed impurity results and analytical methods. Compare moisture, oxygen, acetylene, other hydrocarbons and sulphur compounds with your specification.
Do I need a safety data sheet for ethylene gas?
A hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use needs a safety data sheet. Obtain it before ordering and have your receiving team review the handling information.