Sourcing food preparations from China
UK duty on heading 2106 food preparations from China depends on composition: many protein concentrates pay 0%, protein hydrolysates and many low-sugar, low-fat supplement bases 12%, and residual preparations 8%, with no anti-dumping duty. Some lines have suspensions for named products only. Food, label and supplement rules apply. Cambridge China Bridge sources them.
Food preparations from China pay 0% to 12% UK duty depending on composition. Suspensions, food law and labels explained.
Composition sets the duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, heading 2106 is split by milk fat, sucrose, glucose and starch content. The lines below show the range; none had an anti-dumping measure, and the heading carries a veterinary control measure because some preparations contain animal products.
Two 12% lines carried autonomous suspensions to 0%, but only for named products: ambient tofu and a soya protein isolate preparation on one, coconut milk on the other. Give the commodity code check the full recipe.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein concentrates, under 1.5% milk fat, 5% sugars and 5% starch, other | 2106 10 20 90 | 12% | None |
| Protein concentrates, other composition, other | 2106 10 80 79 | 0% | None |
| Protein hydrolysates and yeast autolysates | 2106 90 92 40 | 12% | None |
| Other preparations under 1.5% milk fat, 5% sugars and 5% starch | 2106 90 92 85 | 12% | None |
| Other food preparations, residual line | 2106 90 98 69 | 8% | None |
Food law
The UK importer is a food business and must register with its local authority. Labels need the name of the food, ingredients with allergens emphasised, net quantity, dates, storage and the UK business name and address, in English.
Food supplements must use permitted vitamin and mineral forms and carry the supplement labelling statements, and ingredients without a history of consumption may be novel foods needing authorisation.
Contaminants and animal ingredients
Ask for certificates of analysis for heavy metals, pesticides and microbiology from an accredited laboratory. Preparations containing dairy, gelatine or other animal products may be composite products with their own import checks, so list every ingredient's origin.
Packaging that touches the food needs food contact evidence.
Samples and shelf life
Test samples in a UK laboratory against the label, and agree shelf life, pack format and storage in transit.
Cambridge China Bridge sources food preparations, protein ingredients and supplements, with recipe, duty and label questions settled before the order. See how our sourcing service works.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on food preparations from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 25 September 2026, heading 2106 lines ranged from 0% to 12% depending on composition, with a residual rate of 8% and no anti-dumping duty.
Why does the recipe change the duty?
The tariff splits heading 2106 by milk fat, sucrose, glucose and starch content.
Are there duty suspensions on food preparations?
Yes, for named products only, such as coconut milk and ambient tofu on two of the 12% lines.
What labels do imported food supplements need?
English labels with the supplement statements, ingredients, allergens, quantity, dates and the UK business name and address.