Sourcing grain fumigation tablets from China
Grain fumigation tablets provisionally classified as other insecticides carry 6% UK duty from China, with no trade remedy recorded. For sale or use in Great Britain, the exact plant protection product needs HSE authorisation; approval of its active substance is insufficient. Cambridge China Bridge sources grain fumigation tablets.
Duty on grain fumigation tablets
Heading 3808 covers prepared insecticides and other pesticide products. For phosphide-based grain fumigation tablets, 3808 91 90 90 is the candidate other-insecticides line, subject to formulation checks. The table shows packaging and active-substance variants of that same line, rather than separate tariff classifications. Confirm the commodity code using the complete formulation and intended use.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, this line carries 6% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. Its 0.00 % suspension is restricted to the specified supported indoxacarb product, so it does not cover phosphide tablets. For related products within the wider heading, see seed treatment fungicides.
The line attaches an ozone-related restriction on entry into free circulation and waste import control. Ozone-depleting substances require an import licence for Great Britain. Waste shipped under notification controls needs consent from the relevant authorities before shipment. For tablets from China, ask your customs broker to confirm applicability and declaration evidence. The file also lists dangerous-chemical and waste export controls; confirm these separately before any onward export.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium phosphide grain fumigation tablets in bottles | 3808 91 90 90 | 6% | None |
Specify the phosphide formulation and sealed pack
Specify aluminium phosphide or magnesium phosphide, active content, tablet mass, dimensions, permitted assay variation, batch identification and unopened shelf life. Agree the bottle or tin material, closure, seal and outer packaging. Ask for batch analysis and an English safety data sheet before approving production.
For grain protection in Great Britain, verify the exact product authorisation and its authorised uses before ordering. An approved active substance does not authorise a factory's formulation. Match the manufacturer, formulation, packaging and label to the authorisation documentation. Check whether the product falls within the official poisons controls; listed chemicals carry disappearance, theft and suspicious-transaction reporting obligations.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative small-business batch of sealed bottles of aluminium phosphide grain fumigation tablets under 3808 91 90 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,500. Duty at 6% is £390. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,890, so it is £1,378. Import taxes total £1,768; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £390 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the product name, active substance and manufacturer against the purchase specification and authorisation documentation.
Batch: check that the assay report identifies the shipped batch and meets the agreed active-content specification. Arrange specialist sampling rather than opening packs during routine warehouse inspection.
Packaging: check unopened bottles or tins for damaged closures, broken seals, corrosion and crushed outer cartons. Photograph defects and hold affected stock for specialist assessment.
Label: check batch identification, shelf-life information, authorised grain use and consistency with the English safety data sheet. Review chemical hazard labels against the applicable classification, labelling and packaging requirements.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may offer an apparently matching active ingredient while the supplied formulation lacks the product authorisation needed for sale or use in Great Britain. A different manufacturer, pack or label can also leave the shipment inconsistent with the documents the buyer checked.
Other rejection points include broken seals, crushed packs, excessive tablet dust, inconsistent tablet mass and an assay certificate for a different batch. Agree acceptance criteria before production and use a specialist laboratory for formulation checks. Keep damaged stock out of distribution while its condition is assessed.
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 grain fumigation tablets from China?
The candidate other-insecticides line, 3808 91 90 90, carries 6% duty in the supplied tariff facts. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded. Confirm classification against the formulation.
Can I sell Chinese grain fumigation tablets in Great Britain?
Only if the exact plant protection product has the required HSE authorisation. Approval of the active substance or permission to sell in China does not authorise the supplied product in Great Britain.
Does the insecticide duty suspension cover phosphide tablets?
No. The suspension recorded for this line covers the specified indoxacarb product fixed on a silicon dioxide support. It does not cover aluminium or magnesium phosphide tablets.
What should I check when fumigation tablets arrive?
Check product identity, batch documents, unopened seals, packaging damage and label consistency. Hold damaged stock for specialist assessment; routine receiving checks should not involve opening packs.