Sourcing iodine, bromine and chlorine from China
Fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine from China pay 0% UK duty on all four lines of heading 2801, with no anti-dumping duty. These are hazardous substances: chlorine and fluorine are toxic gases, bromine is a highly toxic, corrosive liquid, and iodine is harmful, so GB CLP labels, a safety data sheet, approved packaging and dangerous goods transport come first.
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0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 2801 covers fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. All four lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The tariff also attaches a waste import control, answered by a not-waste declaration for new material.
Halogen compounds such as iodides and bromides are other headings; confirm the commodity code from the CAS number.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorine | 2801 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Iodine | 2801 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Fluorine | 2801 30 10 00 | 0% | None |
| Bromine | 2801 30 90 00 | 0% | None |
Hazards and specification
All four elements are classified as hazardous under the retained CLP Regulation and are dangerous goods in transport, so they need GB labels, a GB-format safety data sheet, UN-approved packaging (gas cylinders for chlorine and fluorine, specialised containers for bromine) and a receiving site able to handle them safely.
Specify purity and impurity limits, form (iodine prills or flakes), packaging, and for iodine used in pharmaceuticals or feed the grade certificate required for that use.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 1 tonne of resublimed iodine prills under 2801 20 00 00, invoiced at £50,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £50,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £50,800, so it is £10,160. 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
Documents: check the certificate of analysis, safety data sheet and transport classification.
Packaging: check approved containers, seals and hazard labels before loading.
Site: confirm storage and emergency arrangements at the receiving site. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Halogen orders fail on packaging and handling. Containers are not approved for the substance, bromine packaging leaks, and the receiving site is not equipped for the hazard.
Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial chemicals for UK manufacturers with documents and transport agreed before shipment. See factory verification.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on iodine from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, iodine under 2801 20 00 00 carried 0% from China.
Is bromine dangerous goods?
Yes. Bromine is highly toxic and corrosive and needs specialised packaging and dangerous goods transport.
Are iodides and bromides in heading 2801?
No. Halogen compounds are classified in other headings.
What grade of iodine do feed and pharmaceutical users need?
A grade certified for that use; ask for the grade certificate.