Sourcing hairspray from China
Hairspray from China carries 0% UK duty under the hair lacquers line. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the requirements for a UK Responsible Person, a cosmetic safety assessment, the product information file and notification with the relevant authority. For aerosol packs, check the dispenser compliance marking separately. Cambridge China Bridge sources hairspray.
UK duty on hairspray
Heading 3305 covers preparations for use on the hair. Hairspray falls within the hair lacquers line, 3305 30 00 00. The table shows product variants sharing that commodity line, rather than separate tariff classifications.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 16 October 2026, hairspray from China carries 0% duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension recorded. Import VAT is 20%. The tariff attaches an export control of mercury; ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance, particularly for any return shipment to China.
Confirm the formulation and presentation against the commodity code guide. For other styling preparations within this heading, see the hair styling gel guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerosol hairspray, flexible hold | 3305 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the formula and spray system together
Specify aerosol or pump delivery, hold, drying behaviour, fragrance, finish and brush-out performance. Approve the actual formula with its final valve, actuator or pump. Record acceptable spray pattern, stickiness and visible residue against retained samples.
Obtain the full quantitative formula for the safety assessor under confidentiality. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the UK Responsible Person, safety report, product information file and cosmetic notification requirements with the relevant authority. The site's published beauty guide provides further context for this review.
For aerosol dispensers placed on the Great Britain market, either UKCA or reversed epsilon marking can be used. Ask for the supporting dispenser documentation and have the proposed pack reviewed through testing and certification. A pump pack needs its own performance specification.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial batch of retail aerosol hairspray cans, with specialist freight under 3305 30 00 00, invoiced at £3,305 free on board, with £3,305 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,610. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,610, so it is £1,322. 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
Spray: compare mist distribution, nozzle blockage, dribbling and pump recovery with the approved sample.
Hold: check drying, tack, flaking, comb-through and finish on the agreed hair samples.
Pack: check fill against the specification, leakage, dents, corrosion, cap fit and carton protection.
Identity: match batch codes, formula identity, ingredient list, warnings and Responsible Person details to the approved documents and artwork.
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What goes wrong
A replacement actuator can turn an acceptable mist into a wet jet. A formula change can alter hold, fragrance or residue even when the bottle looks identical. Require approval before substitutions and compare production samples with the retained formula-and-pack combination.
Do not let printed stock run ahead of the safety assessment and label review. Missing formula disclosure delays the assessment; mismatched batch records make complaints harder to investigate. Keep suspect leaking or inconsistent stock separate while the supplier investigates.
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 hairspray from China?
The hair lacquers line, 3305 30 00 00, carries 0% duty in the supplied tariff facts. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension is recorded. Import VAT is 20%.
Do I need a Responsible Person for hairspray?
Before sale in Great Britain, confirm with the relevant authority whether your product needs a Responsible Person with a UK established address, a safety assessment, a product information file and notification.
Does aerosol hairspray need CE marking?
The official aerosol guidance permits UKCA or reversed epsilon marking for the Great Britain market. Check the dispenser documentation and proposed marking rather than requesting a generic CE certificate.
What should I test before ordering hairspray?
Test the final formula with the final spray system: mist, drying, hold, residue, brush-out, leakage and pack compatibility. Keep an approved sample for comparison with production.