Sourcing geranium essential oil from China

Geranium oil duty and tariff controls

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, geranium essential oil under heading 3301 carries 0% duty from China, whether non-deterpenated or deterpenated. The supplied facts record no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension on these lines. The table also includes related processing by-products and aqueous distillates, which are different goods from the essential oil.

The tariff attaches organic import controls to the selected lines and a restriction on entry into free circulation to the non-deterpenated oil line. Confirm their application to the Chinese shipment with your customs broker, particularly any organic claim or precursor concern. The related by-product and distillate lines also carry CITES import and export controls: CITES specimens need an import permit. Mercury export controls are also listed; ask the broker to confirm relevance.

Use 3301 29 49 00 as the non-deterpenated geranium oil classification to check, and 3301 29 71 00 for deterpenated geranium oil. Confirm the actual composition and processing through finding your commodity code. For the wider product family, see essential oils from China.

Specify geranium identity and processing

Name the botanical species, growing origin, plant material and extraction method in the purchase specification. State whether the oil is deterpenated and whether anything has been added. Distinguish geranium essential oil from rose oil, a geranium-scented fragrance mixture and a carrier-oil dilution. Agree a retained sample and a batch gas chromatography profile, including citronellol and geraniol.

Set agreed ranges for relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, colour and odour rather than accepting a generic purity claim. Request batch analysis, allergen composition and an English safety data sheet. Chemical suppliers, including importers, are responsible for classification. Confirm the applicable hazard-label requirements with HSE; the safety data sheet should provide the transport classification.

If selling a finished cosmetic rather than supplying an ingredient, confirm with the Office for Product Safety and Standards which requirements apply to a UK Responsible Person, product information file, safety assessment and notification before sale. The intended use and presentation need to be settled before approving the retail pack.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 200 kg of geranium essential oil, illustrative order only under 3301 29 49 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,600, so it is £1,320. 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: compare the delivered batch chromatography report and an independently tested retained sample with the agreed geranium oil profile.

Condition: check colour, odour and physical constants against the specification; investigate sediment, unexpected cloudiness or a changed scent.

Documents: match batch identifiers across the analysis report, safety data sheet, labels and packing list; check the allergen information supplied to formulation customers.

Packing: check container compatibility, closures, tamper seals, leakage and net contents. Agree protection from heat, light and excessive air exposure through quality inspection.

What goes wrong

An approved sample can be followed by bulk oil with a different botanical origin or composition. Added carrier oil or fragrance components can make the scent appear acceptable while changing its performance in the buyer's formula. Treat smell as a screening check, then compare batch analysis and test a retained sample.

Leaking closures, warm storage and excessive air exposure can damage the oil. Generic paperwork can also describe a different product from the batch shipped. Agree how discrepancies will be investigated and keep questionable stock separate pending review.

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.