Sourcing graphite cement from China
Graphite cement classified in heading 3801 pays 0% UK duty from China across the supplied tariff lines. Classification and labelling of chemical mixtures must be handled by someone with scientific competence. Specify the binder and prove the cured joint in your process. Cambridge China Bridge sources graphite cement.
Graphite cement duty and classification
Heading 3801 covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite, and preparations based on graphite or other carbon in paste and other semi-manufactured forms. For graphite cement, consider 3801 90 00 85 against the actual formulation and supplied form. The table includes this candidate line and related furnace-lining pastes and formulation materials; these are not interchangeable products.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, all supplied lines carried 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied snapshot lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. Chemical supply obligations still need checking separately.
Give your customs broker the composition, binder, physical form and intended use to confirm the commodity code. For the wider heading, see graphite electrode paste.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other graphite preparations: candidate line for graphite cement | 3801 90 00 85 | 0% | None |
| Carbonaceous furnace-lining pastes | 3801 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other artificial graphite: related filler material | 3801 10 90 85 | 0% | None |
| Other colloidal graphite: related formulation material | 3801 20 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the binder and cured joint
Describe whether the cement is for bonding graphite parts, filling gaps or repairing a furnace assembly. Specify graphite content, binder chemistry, supplied consistency, mixing instructions, usable working time and curing conditions. Agree the joint gap, substrate preparation and acceptable shrinkage rather than buying by the product name alone.
Ask the factory to demonstrate adhesion and joint integrity using your graphite grade and heating cycle. State the operating atmosphere and whether electrical conductivity matters. Compare samples after curing and heating, checking cracking, separation and dimensional change.
Classification and labelling of substances or mixtures must be carried out by someone with scientific competence. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Confirm the applicable UK REACH obligations with HSE using your annual import quantities; registration is assessed per substance and legal entity.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 drums of graphite cement, subject to classification confirmation (illustrative) under 3801 90 00 85, invoiced at £2,400 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,000, so it is £600. 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: check the batch certificate, formulation designation and binder against the approved sample and purchase specification.
Consistency: check for settling, hard lumps, skin formation or unexpected thickening; compare application behaviour with the retained sample.
Joint trial: prepare and cure a test joint using the agreed instructions, then check adhesion, shrinkage and cracking after the agreed heating cycle.
Containers and documents: check seals, leakage, batch identification, storage instructions and the safety data sheet against the supplied formulation. Use the quality inspection guide to brief the inspector.
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What goes wrong
A changed binder or filler can produce cement that spreads like the sample but shrinks, cracks or loses adhesion during heating. A temperature claim alone does not demonstrate performance in your operating atmosphere or on your graphite grade.
Damaged seals, solvent loss or poor storage can change application behaviour before arrival. Keep a retained sample, compare incoming batches and resolve discrepancies before use. Arrange a process trial through our small-order service before committing to repeat supply.
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 graphite cement from China?
The supplied tariff snapshot shows 0% duty on every line of heading 3801, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your formulation belongs in this heading.
Which commodity code should I use for graphite cement?
3801 90 00 85 is a candidate for other graphite preparations. Ask your broker to confirm it from composition, binder, physical form and use; the trade name alone is insufficient.
Does graphite cement need a safety data sheet?
A safety data sheet is required if the chemical is hazardous and supplied for workplace use. Ask for the sheet matching the actual formulation before ordering.
How do I test graphite cement before buying?
Make a joint with your graphite grade, agreed surface preparation and curing instructions. Run your heating cycle and check adhesion, shrinkage, cracking and conductivity where relevant.