Sourcing kaolin and china clay from China
Kaolin and other kaolinic clays from China, washed or calcined, used in ceramics, paper, paint, rubber and plastics, pay 0% UK duty on all three lines of heading 2507, with no anti-dumping duty. The tariff also attaches a waste import control, answered by a not-waste declaration. Buyers check whiteness, particle size, iron and titanium content, plasticity and moisture.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 2507 covers kaolin and other kaolinic clays, whether or not calcined. All three lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The waste import control on these lines is answered by declaring that new material is not waste under the retained waste shipments regulation.
Bentonite and other clays are covered in our bentonite and clays guide; confirm the commodity code.
The other kaolinic clays under 2507 00 80 are on the GOV.UK list of goods in scope of UK CBAM from 1 January 2027, in the cement sector; kaolin itself under 2507 00 20 is not listed. See our UK CBAM guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaolin | 2507 00 20 00 | 0% | None |
| Other kaolinic clays, non-calcined | 2507 00 80 20 | 0% | None |
| Other kaolinic clays, other (calcined) | 2507 00 80 80 | 0% | None |
Specifying kaolin
Specify the use and grade, alumina and silica content, iron and titanium oxide limits, whiteness or brightness (fired whiteness for ceramics), particle size distribution, plasticity and modulus of rupture for ceramic bodies, oil absorption for paints and plastics, moisture and packing. Ask for a certificate of analysis per lot and the safety data sheet, because clay dust containing crystalline silica needs handling controls.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of washed kaolin for ceramics in bulk bags under 2507 00 20 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £7,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £7,800, so it is £1,560. 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
Analysis: test whiteness, particle size and iron content on samples against the certificate.
Trial: fire test pieces for ceramic grades and check colour and shrinkage.
Packing: check bulk bags, liners and moisture. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Kaolin orders fail on whiteness, iron and consistency. Iron specks spoil fired ware, whiteness drops between lots, and damp bags cake.
Cambridge China Bridge sources industrial minerals for UK potters, ceramic makers and compounders from small lots; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on kaolin from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, all three lines of heading 2507 carried 0% from China.
Is calcined kaolin a different code?
Other kaolinic clays split into non-calcined and other lines; kaolin itself has its own line.
What matters in kaolin for ceramics?
Fired whiteness, iron and titanium content, particle size, plasticity and strength.
Why ask for a safety data sheet?
Clay dust can contain crystalline silica, which needs handling controls.