Sourcing glyoxal solutions from China

Glyoxal solutions: tariff and chemical checks

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2912 covers aldehydes, their cyclic polymers and paraformaldehyde. The candidate line for aqueous glyoxal is 2912 19 00 90, other acyclic aldehydes without other oxygen function. It carries 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension listed in the supplied extract.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches an export control for waste to this line. The importer should confirm its relevance and any applicable requirement with their customs broker, particularly if material is described as waste or recovered stock. Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration is required for your annual substance imports. Chemicals must be correctly labelled and packaged before supply in Great Britain.

Confirm the commodity code using the full composition and intended use, particularly where the supplier adds other ingredients. The table repeats the candidate code for purchasing variants; these are not separate tariff subdivisions. See the paraformaldehyde guide for another product within the wider heading.

Specify glyoxal concentration and acidity

Specify glyoxal content by mass, the agreed assay method, acidity, colour, insoluble matter and any added ingredients. State whether the solution is for textile finishing, paper treatment or laboratory work. Agree acceptance criteria against a retained sample and test the solution in your actual process before approving bulk supply.

Request a batch certificate of analysis and a safety data sheet matching the supplied composition. Agree container material, closure, seals and storage instructions with the supplier. A safety data sheet is required when a hazardous chemical is supplied for use at work.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of aqueous glyoxal solution under 2912 19 00 90, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £1,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,700. Duty at 4% is £188. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,888, so it is £977.60. Import taxes total £1,165.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £188 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the product name, batch reference and composition across the order, container labels and analysis certificate.

Solution: test glyoxal content and acidity against the agreed methods; compare colour and inspect for sediment or separation.

Packaging: inspect closures, seals, leaks and container damage; confirm the packaging suits the supplied solution.

Documents: match the safety data sheet to the formulation and check labels and packaging before releasing stock for supply.

What goes wrong

An assay result alone can conceal a mismatch in acidity, colour or impurities that changes performance in the buyer's process. A generic certificate may describe a different batch, while a safety data sheet may cover a different concentration. Hold mismatched stock until the supplier provides traceable documents and satisfactory test results.

Leaking closures, damaged containers and unexplained sediment are reasons to investigate before use. Photograph arrival condition, retain a representative sample and compare results with the approved sample. Agree the sampling and release checks through testing and certification support.

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.