Sourcing fluorosilicone compounds from China
Fluorosilicone rubber compounds from China normally carry 6% UK duty, with 0% available for qualifying named materials. The suspension for fluorosilicone intermediates has a mixtures exclusion, so check the actual formulation before claiming relief. Cambridge China Bridge sources fluorosilicone rubber compounds.
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6% duty, with narrow 0% suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3910 covers silicones in primary forms. This guide concerns fluorosilicone feedstock and uncured compounds. The snapshot records 6% duty for goods from China and no anti-dumping or countervailing measures. Finished seals need separate classification. See the wider silicone guide.
The named block copolymer under 3910 00 00 20 has a 0% suspension. Under 3910 00 00 90, another suspension names fluorosilicone rubber compound intermediates. Both carry an exclusion for mixtures, preparations or products containing the named materials. Have your broker check the complete formulation and suspension wording. Rows sharing a code show different buying forms; confirm the commodity code before ordering.
The tariff attaches waste import and export controls. For waste from China entering England under notification controls, shipment can start after the Environment Agency and the other competent authorities involved have consented. Ask your broker to confirm the applicable waste procedure and requirements for other UK destinations before accepting recovered or discarded material.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named trifluoropropylsiloxane and methyl(vinyl)siloxane block copolymer | 3910 00 00 20 | 6% | None |
| Other silicones: fluorosilicone rubber compound intermediates | 3910 00 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the formulation and cured performance
Specify whether you are buying gum, an intermediate or a filled compound. Record the polymer identity, filler and pigment package, whether curing agent is included, processing method and intended service fluid. Agree hardness, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, compression set and fluid swelling against an approved cured sample. State the cure and post-cure conditions used for every comparison.
Polymers are exempt from UK REACH registration, but check the registration position for siloxane monomers and additives. Obtain the formulation details and safety data sheet; confirm the applicable safety-data-sheet, chemical classification, labelling and packaging requirements with HSE. Agree storage conditions, remaining shelf life and batch documentation before approving supply.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 drums of filled fluorosilicone compound outside the suspension under 3910 00 00 90, invoiced at £17,000 free on board, with £1,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,400. Duty at 6% is £1,104. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,504, so it is £3,900.80. Import taxes total £5,004.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,104 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the supplier grade, formulation revision, container labels and batch certificate to the approved fluorosilicone sample.
Cure: mould a retained sample using the agreed cure and post-cure conditions; compare hardness, tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance with the agreed specification.
Service performance: check swelling and retained properties in the intended fuel, oil or solvent, and compression set under the agreed service conditions.
Arrival: check seals, damaged packaging, contamination, production date and remaining shelf life; retain a traceable sample before releasing the batch.
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What goes wrong
A compound can meet hardness requirements while failing fluid swelling or compression set. A changed polymer blend, filler package or cure system can make the approved sample unrepresentative. Investigate slow cure, tacky material, visible contamination and inconsistent moulded properties before using the shipment.
A supplier's description of an intermediate does not establish suspension eligibility for a filled commercial compound. Resolve the formulation and customs position before shipping. Use testing and certification support to agree the batch tests and acceptance records.
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 fluorosilicone compounds from China?
The snapshot records 6% duty. Named materials may qualify for 0% suspensions, subject to their descriptions and mixtures exclusions. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures are recorded.
Does every fluorosilicone compound qualify for zero duty?
No. The suspension names fluorosilicone rubber compound intermediates and carries a mixtures exclusion. Ask your broker to assess the actual formulation before claiming it.
What should I test before accepting a fluorosilicone batch?
Check cure, hardness, tensile strength, elongation and tear resistance against the approved sample. Add fluid swelling and compression set tests matched to the intended application.
Does fluorosilicone rubber need UK REACH registration?
Polymers are exempt from registration. Check the UK REACH position for siloxane monomers and additives, using the actual composition and your annual imports.