Sourcing perlite insulation granules from China

Duty on expanded perlite granules

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 6806 covers expanded mineral materials and mineral insulating mixtures and articles. Loose expanded perlite granules are a candidate for 6806 20 90 00, other expanded mineral materials. The table shows buying grades sharing that tariff line, rather than separate tariff classifications.

The supplied tariff record shows 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure, suspension or attached import control. Confirm the classification of coated granules or products containing binders from their composition and supplied form.

Send the material composition, treatment details and intended use to your customs broker and confirm the commodity code. For neighbouring materials, see the wider mineral insulation guide.

Specify the granules and their installed use

Describe whether the perlite is for loose-fill building insulation or incorporation into an insulating mixture. Agree particle-size distribution, loose bulk density, moisture, fines content and any water-repellent treatment. Ask the factory to state the sampling and measurement methods, and retain an approved sample.

Ask for thermal conductivity evidence showing the tested density, moisture condition and intended application. Match any reaction-to-fire claim to the supplied formulation, including treatments. For building products, check the applicable designated-standard or technical-assessment route and request the supporting performance documents. CE marking remains available for construction products placed on the Great Britain market.

Request handling information before agreeing warehouse procedures. Employers must plan, manage and monitor substances hazardous to health under the hazardous-substances regulations. Include bag opening, pouring and spilled fines in the handling review.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative container order of bagged expanded perlite insulation granules under 6806 20 90 00, invoiced at £12,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £16,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £16,000, so it is £3,200. 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

Grading: sieve representative samples and compare the particle distribution and fines with the agreed specification.

Density: measure loose bulk density using the agreed filling method; avoid comparing a compacted sample with a loosely filled sample.

Condition: check for damp bags, clumps, crushed granules, contamination and leakage at seams.

Traceability: match bag batch references, formulation and performance reports to the shipment. Agree sampling through the quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A sample can look suitable while the shipment contains more fines or a different density. Rough handling can crush granules, and leaking bags lose material during unloading. Damp or clumped stock makes consistent filling difficult. Record arrival condition before moving the bags into storage.

A report for untreated perlite does not establish the performance of a treated formulation. A supplier may also quote a thermal result without its test density or moisture condition. Agree the exact product and evidence before shipment, using testing and certification support where needed.

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.