Sourcing expanded graphite powder from China

Zero duty, subject to classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3801 covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite and preparations based on graphite or other carbon. Every supplied line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls.

Already-expanded powder and expandable feedstock need separate descriptions. The named expandable graphite line is 3801 90 00 10; do not assume it covers powder that has already been expanded. Discuss 3801 90 00 85 with your broker using the composition, manufacturing process and supplied form. The table includes related powder categories for comparison, not interchangeable codes.

Confirm the commodity code before ordering. Natural graphite is covered separately in our natural graphite guide. For the wider heading, see artificial and expandable graphite.

Specify the expanded powder, not just its name

State that the material must already be expanded, and describe whether it is supplied as loose expanded particles or milled powder. Specify fixed carbon, ash, moisture, sulphur, particle size distribution and loose bulk density. Agree the density measurement method and packing condition so that the sample and shipment can be compared.

Ask for the manufacturing route, any added binder or treatment, a batch analysis certificate and a safety data sheet. Trial the powder in your actual formulation or compaction process. An expansion ratio for the original feedstock does not replace measurements on the delivered expanded powder.

Chemical importers are responsible for hazard classification. Check UK REACH obligations against substance identity and annual volume; some obligations apply from one tonne a year. A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for use at work. Control fine graphite dust during handling.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial lot of expanded graphite powder in sealed bags, subject to code confirmation under 3801 90 00 85, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,000, so it is £600. 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: check the delivered material against the approved expanded-powder sample and the declared manufacturing route.

Batch properties: check fixed carbon, ash, moisture, sulphur, particle size and loose bulk density against the agreed specification.

Packing: check bags for tears, moisture ingress, contamination and excessive compression; compare the powder condition with the approved sample.

Traceability: match bag batch references to the analysis certificate and retain a sample for comparison. Set the sampling scope through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

A supplier may quote expandable flakes when the buyer needs already-expanded powder. Milling or compression can also change particle structure and bulk density. A sample that disperses or compacts well may therefore behave differently from the shipment.

Moisture, excess ash, residual sulphur and inconsistent particle size can spoil the buyer's process. Agree acceptance tests before ordering, compare arrival samples with the retained approval sample and investigate a failed batch before blending it into production.

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.