Sourcing industrial oleic acid from China

Industrial oleic acid duty: 0%

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 3823 covers industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids, acid oils from refining and industrial fatty alcohols. This guide covers its oleic acid lines. For wider heading context, see our industrial stearic acid guide.

All listed oleic acid lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing measures, suspensions or attached import controls for these lines. That tariff record does not replace a chemical compliance check.

The lines distinguish feed use from other use, then apply listed carbon-chain and iodine-value conditions. Give your customs broker the composition, intended use and batch analysis, and confirm the commodity code before shipping.

Specify the oleic acid composition

Specify the fatty acid profile and oleic acid content, rather than accepting the product name alone. Agree limits and test methods for acid value, iodine value, moisture, colour, peroxide value and unsaponifiable matter. Identify the feedstock origin, intended application and any additives. Request a batch certificate of analysis and a retained sample.

Agree drum material, seal type, net weight, storage conditions and how the supplier will prevent contamination during filling. Trial the proposed grade in your own formulation before approving bulk supply.

Chemical classification is the responsibility of suppliers, including importers. For a substance you have not previously imported or manufactured, HSE says to consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Request the substance identity and supporting compliance information before ordering; do not assume that every grade has the same position.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of industrial oleic acid in sealed drums under 3823 12 00 80, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,200, so it is £1,040. 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: compare batch fatty acid analysis with the agreed oleic acid profile and approved sample.

Condition: check colour, odour, moisture and oxidation results against the agreed specification.

Packaging: check seals, leaks, drum condition and net weight; investigate any sign of water ingress.

Traceability: match drum batch identifiers to the analysis certificate and shipment documents. Arrange quality inspection around sampling and laboratory checks.

What goes wrong

A supplier's oleic acid grade can contain a different fatty acid balance from the approved sample. A batch can meet an acid-value specification while failing the composition or oxidation specification. These are separate acceptance checks.

Contaminated drums, missing batch links and changed feedstock can make a delivery unsuitable for the buyer's formulation. Agree a hold-and-review process for doubtful batches and retain samples before mixing the material into production.

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.