Sourcing Fischer-Tropsch wax from China
Fischer-Tropsch wax from China carries 0% UK duty under 3404 90 00 00, with no trade remedy listed. Confirm the composition and UK REACH registration position before importing, and check chemical classification before sale in Great Britain. Cambridge China Bridge sources Fischer-Tropsch wax.
Duty and classification for Fischer-Tropsch wax
Heading 3404 covers artificial and prepared waxes. Fischer-Tropsch wax belongs within the other artificial waxes line, 3404 90 00 00. The table shows different physical forms sharing that commodity line, rather than separate tariff subdivisions. See the artificial and prepared waxes guide for the wider heading.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, the relevant line carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. This does not replace chemical compliance checks.
Obtain the composition, substance identity and details of any blending or modification before confirming the commodity code. UK REACH registration applies where the substance tonnage requires it. Before sale in Great Britain, check classification and any resulting labelling and packaging duties. A safety data sheet is required for a hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fischer-Tropsch wax in pastilles | 3404 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify melting behaviour and process performance
State whether you need unmodified Fischer-Tropsch wax or a modified or blended grade. Agree melting or congealing behaviour, hardness, oil content, colour and viscosity at an agreed test temperature. Specify pastilles, flakes, slabs or powder, with particle size and acceptable fines where these affect feeding or dispersion.
Approve a sample in your actual adhesive, coating or plastics formulation. Record the wax addition, mixing conditions and acceptance criteria so a supplier cannot substitute a grade merely because its melting point is similar. Request batch test results using the same methods as your receiving laboratory.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 20 tonnes of Fischer-Tropsch wax pastilles for a manufacturer under 3404 90 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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 supplied grade, composition statement and batch documents against the approved sample and purchase specification.
Thermal properties: compare melting or congealing behaviour, hardness and viscosity with the agreed limits and test methods.
Appearance and form: check colour, contamination, caking and particle size, including fines that may change feeding or dispersion.
Packaging and documents: check seals, net weight and batch identification; review classification, applicable labels and the safety data sheet against the supplied grade.
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What goes wrong
A replacement grade can meet the quoted melting point yet behave differently during mixing or cooling. Treat poor dispersion, altered adhesive performance or an unexpected surface finish as reasons to compare the delivered lot with the retained sample in your own process.
Powder that cakes, contains excessive fines or arrives contaminated may feed unevenly. Keep a retained sample and batch records, and agree how failed lots will be investigated before ordering. The quality inspection guide explains how to organise acceptance checks.
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 Fischer-Tropsch wax from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for 3404 90 00 00, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
Is Fischer-Tropsch wax classified as paraffin wax?
The reference guide places Fischer-Tropsch wax in artificial waxes under 3404, while plain paraffin is in another heading. Confirm the actual composition before declaring the code.
Does imported Fischer-Tropsch wax need UK REACH checks?
Yes. Confirm substance identity and whether your import tonnage requires registration. Where a new registration is needed, the first step is an inquiry to HSE.
How do I check Fischer-Tropsch wax matches the sample?
Compare melting behaviour, hardness, oil content, colour and viscosity using agreed methods. For powder, check particle size and caking, then trial the delivered batch in your formulation.