Sourcing Lanolin Fatty Acids from China
Lanolin fatty acids entered under 1505 00 90 00 carry 0% UK duty from China. The tariff attaches a veterinary control, so agree the animal by-product import documents and intended use before shipping. Specify the fatty acid fraction and test the batch. Cambridge China Bridge sources lanolin fatty acids.
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Zero duty, with animal by-product checks
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 1505 covers wool grease and fatty substances derived from it. For lanolin fatty acids within this heading, the relevant supplied line is 1505 00 90 00, carrying 0% duty from China. The supplied facts record no anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty or suspension. See the wider lanolin and wool grease guide.
The tariff attaches veterinary and waste import controls, and also lists a waste export control. APHA guidance permits wool-grease derivatives from any country within its technical and manufacturing scope. Its general animal by-product guidance requires entry through an approved Border Control Post. Ask your broker to confirm the applicable documents, pre-notification and route for your intended use. Waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste; confirm the applicable waste requirements with your broker if relevant.
Give your broker the composition, manufacturing process and intended use to confirm the commodity code. The supplied facts contain only the derived-substances line relevant to this guide, so the table uses that line alone. Before importing a new chemical substance, consider whether UK REACH registration is required.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanolin fatty acids derived from wool grease | 1505 00 90 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the fatty acid fraction
Ask for a written description of the lanolin-derived fatty acid fraction, its refining process and any blending or further chemical treatment. Agree acid value, saponification value, iodine value, moisture, unsaponifiable matter, colour and odour against your intended formulation. Request test methods and a batch certificate of analysis rather than relying on the description 'cosmetic grade'.
Trial a production sample in your own formulation. Agree the acceptable appearance and handling behaviour at your processing temperature, drum lining, storage conditions and batch identification. Ask the supplier to explain how its fatty acid specification differs from its whole lanolin and lanolin alcohol products.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of lanolin fatty acids in drums under 1505 00 90 00, invoiced at £36,000 free on board, with £1,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £37,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £37,400, so it is £7,480. 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. This assumes the goods are standard-rated for VAT. Most food for human consumption is zero-rated, and animal feed can be too, in which case no import VAT is due, so check the rate for your product in HMRC's VAT Notice 701/14.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the drum labels, batch certificate and purchase specification to the agreed lanolin fatty acid fraction.
Analysis: compare acid value, moisture, unsaponifiable matter and colour with the agreed limits, using the same test methods as the approved sample.
Condition: inspect seals, drum interiors where accessible, leakage, contamination and unexpected odour; retain a representative arrival sample.
Documents: have the broker check the animal by-product paperwork against the actual product and intended use before dispatch.
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What goes wrong
A whole-lanolin specification can be copied onto a fatty acid quotation, leaving the buyer with no useful acceptance criteria. Excess moisture, residual unsaponifiable material or a changed acid profile can alter formulation behaviour. Darkening and unexpected odour also warrant comparison with the retained sample before releasing the batch.
A formulation trial does not settle the import route. Describe the processing stage and intended use to the broker before ordering, especially for cosmetic manufacture. Keep material sold as a usable ingredient separate in your purchasing records from any material described as waste, and resolve its status before shipping.
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 lanolin fatty acids from China?
The supplied tariff facts show 0% under 1505 00 90 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. Veterinary and waste controls are listed.
Can I import lanolin fatty acids from China?
APHA permits wool-grease derivatives from any country within its technical and manufacturing scope. Have your broker confirm the route and documents for the actual processing stage and intended use.
Which tests should I request for lanolin fatty acids?
Agree acid value, saponification value, iodine value, moisture, unsaponifiable matter, colour and odour. Match the test methods to your approved sample and trial the batch in your formulation.
Do lanolin fatty acids need UK REACH registration?
Consider whether registration is required before importing a new substance. Give your adviser the substance identity, composition, processing details and planned annual import quantity.