Sourcing graphite lubricants from China

Zero duty on qualifying graphite preparations

Heading 3801 covers artificial graphite, colloidal or semi-colloidal graphite and preparations based on graphite or other carbon in specified forms. This guide focuses on lubricating dispersions and graphite-based pastes. The table includes an artificial graphite input for buyers who formulate their own lubricant; it is not a finished dispersion.

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, every supplied line carried 0% duty for goods from China. The record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. These tariff findings do not replace checks on the chemical formulation.

Give your customs broker the full composition, carrier, physical form and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Do not choose a code from the word graphite alone. See the wider colloidal graphite dispersions guide for related products.

Specify the graphite, carrier and working film

Specify graphite content, particle size distribution, ash and moisture, together with the carrier and additives. Agree viscosity at a stated temperature, dilution instructions, sedimentation and redispersibility checks, and compatibility with your application equipment. For pastes, agree consistency and how the material spreads. Assess the lubricating film on your own contact surfaces under the intended load and temperature.

For Great Britain, substances and mixtures placed on the market must be classified and labelled under GB CLP. UK REACH registration applies to substances, including those in mixtures, so assess registration needs for the formulation's constituents. Hazardous chemicals supplied for use at work require a safety data sheet. Request formulation-specific safety information rather than a sheet for graphite powder alone.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 600 kg of colloidal graphite in oil under 3801 20 10 00, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,980. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,980, so it is £996. 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

Composition: check the batch analysis against agreed graphite content, ash, moisture and particle size.

Dispersion: check viscosity, separation and whether settled material redistributes using the agreed mixing method.

Application: check spray or brush behaviour, film uniformity and lubricating performance against the approved sample.

Packaging: check seals, leaks, net contents and batch identity; match the product name to its safety information. Plan checks through our quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A sample may perform well while the shipment contains a different carrier or less graphite. Coarse particles can obstruct application equipment, hard sediment may resist mixing, and an uneven film can leave contact surfaces poorly covered. Compare arrival samples with the approved formulation and application test before releasing the batch.

Generic safety information can describe graphite while overlooking the carrier and additives. Resolve mismatches between the formulation, safety data sheet and labels before supply. Keep retained samples and batch records so a performance complaint can be traced to the material delivered.

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.