Sourcing isopropylamine from China

Isopropylamine duty and tariff controls

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2921 covers amine-function compounds. For isopropylamine, the likely line is 2921 19 99 90, covering other acyclic monoamines and their derivatives and salts. The supplied tariff data contains only this relevant residual line, so the table does not add unrelated amines.

The Chinese-origin duty is 6%, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure recorded. The suspensions attached to this line name other substances and do not cover isopropylamine. The tariff also attaches dangerous-chemical and waste export controls. For GB imports, PIC-listed chemicals require annual quantity reporting but no PIC import notification. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste; confirm applicability with your customs broker.

Confirm the chemical identity, composition and presentation before choosing the commodity code. An aqueous preparation needs its own classification check. For wider heading context, see diisopropylamine.

Specify isopropylamine identity and batch quality

State whether you want the neat substance or an aqueous solution. Agree assay, water content, colour, relevant impurity limits and test methods. Identify the substance by its chemical name and chemical identity record, rather than relying on a supplier abbreviation. Require a batch-specific certificate of analysis and agree suitable sealed packaging.

Check UK REACH registration coverage before ordering, including the annual quantity imported. Registration is assessed per substance and per legal entity. Before GB sale, suppliers must ensure correct chemical labelling and packaging. Obtain an English safety data sheet and agree handling arrangements with your receiving site.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 1 tonne of isopropylamine in sealed chemical drums under 2921 19 99 90, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £2,880 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,880. Duty at 6% is £412.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,292.80, so it is £1,458.56. Import taxes total £1,871.36; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £412.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the purchase specification, batch certificate, safety data sheet and drum labels to isopropylamine.

Analysis: compare assay, water and colour results with the agreed limits; arrange independent testing where the batch evidence needs verification.

Packaging: check closures, seals, leakage, damage and compatibility with the chemical before accepting the shipment.

Traceability: match batch identifiers and delivered quantities to the packing list, retaining the inspection record.

What goes wrong

A quotation for an aqueous solution can be mistaken for neat isopropylamine. A generic certificate can conceal differences between batches, while poor closures can leave the delivered material outside the agreed specification. Resolve identity, concentration and acceptance tests before payment.

Another error is claiming a suspension simply because it appears against the same residual code. Its named-substance conditions matter, and the supplied suspensions do not name isopropylamine. Keep suspect drums separate and ask the supplier for batch evidence before releasing them for use.

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.