Sourcing incinerator ash and other slag from China
Other slag and ash from China, including seaweed ash (kelp), ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste, and other ashes not covered by metal-bearing or iron and steel headings, pay 0% UK duty on both lines of heading 2621, with no anti-dumping duty. The lines carry the waste import control, so classification is the first step.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, heading 2621 covers other slag and ash, including seaweed ash (kelp), and ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste. Both lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure.
The lines carry the waste import control: material that is still waste needs the information document for green-list waste, or prior written notification and consent for notifiable waste, arranged before it leaves China; material that is not waste clears on a declaration. Ash and residues from municipal waste incineration are waste in most cases, and fly ash from incineration is generally hazardous, so confirm the classification with the Environment Agency or the relevant UK regulator before any contract.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ash and residues from the incineration of municipal waste | 2621 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other slag and ash, including seaweed ash (kelp) | 2621 90 00 00 | 0% | None |
Uses and specification
Seaweed ash and plant ashes are sold as sources of potassium and trace elements; product sold as a fertiliser must meet UK fertiliser rules for its labelling and composition claims.
Specify the source, chemical composition, heavy metal limits, moisture, particle size and packing, and ask for an analysis per lot.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of seaweed ash under 2621 90 00 00, invoiced at £8,000 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £10,500, so it is £2,100. 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
Analysis: check composition and heavy metals.
Moisture: check against the contract.
Documents: check waste classification before loading. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Ash orders fail on classification and contamination. Material is shipped as a product but is waste, heavy metals exceed what the end use allows, and fertiliser claims are made without meeting the rules.
Cambridge China Bridge sources materials for UK manufacturers with documents agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on seaweed ash from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 28 September 2026, other slag and ash under 2621 90 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Can municipal incinerator ash be imported?
It is waste in most cases and fly ash is generally hazardous; confirm the classification with the regulator before any contract.
Is metal-bearing ash in heading 2621?
No. Ash and residues containing metals are heading 2620.
Can plant ash be sold as fertiliser?
Only if it meets UK fertiliser labelling and composition rules.