Sourcing Isophorone Diisocyanate from China
Pure isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) from China carries 6% UK duty under the other-isocyanates line. Its named-substance suspension should not be assumed to cover IPDI. GB importers must resolve UK REACH registration or only-representative coverage where applicable. Cambridge China Bridge sources isophorone diisocyanate.
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IPDI duty and the residual isocyanate line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2929 covers compounds with other nitrogen function. Pure IPDI belongs in the other-isocyanates line, 2929 10 00 90, subject to confirmation against the actual composition. The table repeats this line for different intended uses; these are not separate tariff classifications.
The recorded duty for goods from China is 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. This line also carries a 0% suspension restricted to named substances. The supplied extract does not establish eligibility for IPDI, so budget at 6%. It attaches an export control for waste; confirm any requirement relevant to your consignment with your customs broker.
Confirm the commodity code using the composition and product documents, particularly for solutions, blocked products or prepolymers. See the wider isocyanates guide for other substances. Its suspension examples should not be transferred to IPDI.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure isophorone diisocyanate for coatings | 2929 10 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify IPDI identity and batch chemistry
Specify pure monomeric IPDI explicitly, rather than accepting an isophorone, blocked-isocyanate or prepolymer description. Agree purity, isomer profile, isocyanate-group content, water content, acidity, hydrolysable chlorine and colour, together with test methods and acceptance criteria. Request a certificate of analysis tied to each production lot.
Agree sealed dry packing, storage conditions, remaining shelf life and sampling arrangements. Registration is per substance and legal entity. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before market placement; hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: A production consignment of pure isophorone diisocyanate for a coatings manufacturer, illustrative only under 2929 10 00 90, invoiced at £44,000 free on board, with £4,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £48,000. Duty at 6% is £2,880. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £50,880, so it is £10,176. Import taxes total £13,056; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,880 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the drum labels, invoice, safety data sheet and analysis certificate to isophorone diisocyanate and the same batch.
Chemistry: arrange independent checks of isocyanate-group content, water, acidity and colour against the agreed specification.
Packing: inspect seals, closures and drum condition; record leaks, corrosion, contamination or evidence of opening.
Arrival: check appearance and storage records before release to production. Agree any sampling with the receiving site's chemical-safety team; use the inspection guide to organise records.
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What goes wrong
A quote saying only isophorone can describe a different chemical from IPDI. A similar product name can also conceal a solution or prepolymer. Match the complete identity and composition before comparing offers or choosing the tariff code.
Moisture ingress, damaged closures and an analysis certificate copied from another lot can leave the delivered material outside your agreed specification. Hold suspect drums separately and investigate before use. A suspension attached to the commodity line is another trap: it does not establish that the particular IPDI shipment qualifies.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on IPDI from China?
The supplied tariff data shows 6% under 2929 10 00 90. A named-substance suspension is attached, but the extract does not establish IPDI eligibility. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is shown.
Is isophorone the same product as IPDI?
No. Order isophorone diisocyanate explicitly and match the full chemical identity across the specification, safety data sheet and batch certificate.
Do I need UK REACH registration for IPDI?
For Great Britain, confirm your UK REACH registration responsibilities and any only-representative coverage with HSE. Confirm your coverage before ordering.
What should I test before using imported IPDI?
Check identity and batch traceability, then test isocyanate-group content, water, acidity and colour against agreed methods and limits. Inspect drum seals and quarantine suspect material.