Sourcing isopentane blowing agent from China

Isopentane duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2901 covers acyclic hydrocarbons. Isopentane falls within the saturated line, 2901 10 00 00, carrying 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data shows no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension for this line. The table repeats this line for different purchase formats, which are not separate tariff subdivisions.

The supplied tariff data attaches an export control for waste. It is described as an export measure, rather than an import control for fresh isopentane. If buying recovered material or arranging a waste return, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirement before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition and batch certificate, especially where the supplier offers a blend rather than isopentane. See the wider acyclic hydrocarbons guide for neighbouring products.

Specify isopentane composition and foam performance

Specify isopentane content, other pentane isomers, water, sulphur, non-volatile residue and the agreed analytical methods. Ask for a batch certificate showing measured results rather than a generic grade statement. Agree whether substitutions or changes in composition require your approval.

Run an approved sample in your actual foam formulation and equipment. Compare expansion, cell structure, density, surface finish and dimensional stability against your accepted material. Agree acceptance criteria before approving bulk production.

For Great Britain, check UK REACH registration or only-representative coverage when annual imports reach one tonne or more. Before selling, the importer must ensure correct chemical classification, labelling and packaging. Employers must assess workplace fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances before work starts.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 18 tonnes of isopentane blowing agent in drums, illustrative only under 2901 10 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £3,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £24,200, so it is £4,840. 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: compare the batch certificate and independent composition results with the approved isopentane specification.

Contamination: check water and non-volatile residue against agreed limits, and review tank cleaning records where applicable.

Packaging and documents: check seals, leakage, batch identification, the English safety data sheet and dangerous goods paperwork. Confirm with your customs broker or the relevant transport authority whether UN 1265 applies to the supplied material and which packaging and labels are required.

Foam trial: retain a traceable sample and compare its performance with the approved reference before releasing the batch to production.

What goes wrong

An unspecified pentane composition can make a replacement batch perform differently in the foam process. Water or residues from previous cargo can also undermine consistency. Treat a passing purity result as part of acceptance, alongside the agreed impurity checks and a formulation trial.

Mismatched batch records, leaking closures or missing dangerous goods documents can delay acceptance. Agree document review before loading and a procedure for holding disputed batches. Use the inspection guide to organise evidence and release decisions.

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.