Sourcing hollow glass microspheres from China

Duty on hollow glass microspheres

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 7018 covers glass microspheres not exceeding 1 mm in diameter alongside glass beads and other smallwares. Hollow microspheres fall within the other microspheres line, 7018 20 00 90. The table shows different buying applications under the same tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes.

The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China on this line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control. Import VAT is separate from customs duty.

Confirm the commodity code using the glass composition, hollow structure, diameter and any surface treatment. For other products within the heading, see our glass beads and imitation pearls guide.

Specify density, crush strength and surface treatment

Specify particle size distribution, true particle density, bulk density, crush strength and the test method used for each property. True particle density and bulk density describe different things, so do not accept an unspecified density figure. Name the glass composition, surface treatment, moisture tolerance and intended resin or binder.

Ask for a batch certificate and trial the grade in your actual mixing and pumping process. Compare the finished compound's density, viscosity, surface finish and strength with the approved sample. Agree sealed packing, batch identification and sampling arrangements before ordering.

For a substance you have not previously imported, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Obtain composition and surface-treatment details for that review. A safety data sheet is required if the chemical is hazardous and supplied for use at work. Assess handling hazards when opening bags and charging mixers; a safety data sheet does not replace a workplace assessment.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2 tonnes of hollow glass microspheres under 7018 20 00 90, invoiced at £18,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £19,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,500, so it is £3,900. 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: match bag labels, batch certificates and purchase specifications; examine sampled particles to confirm hollow spheres rather than solid beads or irregular fragments.

Density and strength: check true particle density and bulk density separately, and compare crush-test results using the agreed method and sample preparation.

Size and moisture: compare particle size distribution with the specification; check for oversized particles, agglomerates, damp powder and contamination.

Packing and process: inspect liners and seals for leaks, verify net contents and batch markings, and compare a retained arrival sample with the approved processing trial.

What goes wrong

A grade can meet its stated particle size yet fail in use because its shells break during mixing or pumping. Broken spheres reduce the intended weight saving and can change compound viscosity. Comparing strength figures obtained by different test methods can hide this problem.

Other problems include substitution of solid beads, inconsistent surface treatment, moisture-related clumping and leaking bags. Approve the grade through a process trial and inspect the shipment against that specification. Our quality inspection guide explains how to organise the checks.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.