Sourcing ferric chloride from China
Ferric chloride from China carries 2% UK duty under the iron chlorides line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure or suspension recorded. Buyers must address chemical supply rules in Great Britain and agree concentration, impurities and packaging before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources ferric chloride.
Ferric chloride: 2% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2827 covers chlorides and related halide compounds. Ferric chloride falls within the iron chlorides line, 2827 39 20 00, carrying 2% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension on this line. The table shows product forms sharing this line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions.
The tariff attaches waste import and export controls. Waste shipment controls apply only if the material is waste. For spent etchant or recovered material from China, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable import requirement with the environmental authority before shipment. Do not assume that the tariff's waste control makes every shipment of new ferric chloride a waste shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the composition, physical form and any added ingredients, particularly for formulated etchants. For other products within the heading, see the calcium and magnesium chloride guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferric chloride, anhydrous solid | 2827 39 20 00 | 2% | None |
Specify ferric content, acidity and application
State whether you need anhydrous solid, hydrated crystals or aqueous solution. For solutions, agree ferric chloride content by mass, the assay method, free acidity, ferrous iron, insolubles and application-specific metal impurities. Ensure the certificate reports ferric chloride content rather than an unexplained total iron result. For wastewater treatment, trial the sample on your actual wastewater; for etching, assess removal and surface finish on your own substrate.
Agree packaging material, closures, seals and unloading connections with your warehouse. In Great Britain, chemical suppliers are responsible for correct labelling and packaging before placing goods on the market. Classification and labelling must be carried out by someone scientifically competent. Review UK REACH registration coverage for the substance and annual quantity with HSE before ordering.
Obtain an English safety data sheet where required by the applicable hazard and supply rules. A safety data sheet is required for hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use. Match it to the actual solid or solution supplied, rather than accepting a generic document for a different concentration.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of ferric chloride solution under 2827 39 20 00, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,500. Duty at 2% is £210. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,710, so it is £2,142. Import taxes total £2,352; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £210 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the product form, agreed composition, batch reference and certificate against the purchase order.
Analysis: independently check ferric chloride assay, free acidity, ferrous iron and insolubles using the agreed methods; include the trace metals relevant to your process.
Packaging: check containers, closures and seals for leaks or damage, verify net mass, and confirm that unloading connections match the receiving equipment.
Documents: match labels and the safety data sheet to the supplied composition and check the registration position before shipment. Use the inspection guide to agree sampling and acceptance records.
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What goes wrong
A solution can meet an apparent iron specification while missing the agreed ferric chloride concentration or ferrous iron limit. Excess acidity, insolubles or trace metals can also undermine the buyer's process. Compare the bulk batch with the approved sample using the same assay basis and application test.
Leaks, damaged seals and unsuitable unloading fittings can prevent acceptance at the warehouse. Keep suspect containers separate and agree a safe sampling procedure before opening them. A certificate for a different batch or a safety data sheet for a different formulation leaves the buyer without reliable evidence for the delivered material.
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 ferric chloride from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 2% under 2827 39 20 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension on this line.
Does ferric chloride need UK REACH registration?
Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration is required for the substance and your annual imports. Confirm who provides registration coverage before ordering.
What should I specify for ferric chloride solution?
Specify ferric chloride content by mass, assay method, free acidity, ferrous iron, insolubles and relevant trace metals. Agree packaging and test a sample in your process.
Does the waste control apply to new ferric chloride?
Waste shipment controls apply only if the material is waste. For spent or recovered material from China, have your broker confirm the import requirement with the environmental authority.