Sourcing Leonardite from China
Leonardite from China, when classified as lignite under heading 2702, carries 0% UK duty across the supplied lines. Confirm the material and processing before choosing the code, and review its UK REACH registration position before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources Leonardite.
UK duty on Leonardite
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 2702 covers lignite, whether or not agglomerated, excluding jet. This guide concerns Leonardite offered as that raw material. The supplied extract contains only the tariff lines shown: non-agglomerated lignite, including powder, and agglomerated lignite.
Both lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied facts list no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspensions or attached import controls. This tariff snapshot does not establish the classification or selling requirements of a particular formulation.
Give your customs broker the composition, processing description, additives and physical form to confirm the commodity code. Ask for a separate assessment of extracted humic acids, humate salts or formulated blends rather than assuming the raw-material code applies. See the lignite guide for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardite assessed as non-agglomerated lignite, including powder | 2702 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Agglomerated Leonardite assessed as agglomerated lignite | 2702 20 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the Leonardite and its test basis
Ask the supplier to identify the deposit, processing site and treatments, including drying, milling, extraction and granulation. State whether you want raw Leonardite or a processed ingredient. Specify humic acid content with the analytical method and whether results are reported on a dry or as-received basis. Agree moisture, ash, particle size, acidity, soluble salts and contaminant acceptance criteria.
Request a batch certificate of analysis and retain an approved sample. If the application depends on dissolution or extraction, agree a practical test using the intended water and process conditions. For sale as a soil improver or fertiliser, ask Defra to review the composition, processing details and proposed claims before approving the label.
HSE says a business importing a substance for the first time needs to consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Review that position for the actual material before ordering. Hazardous chemicals supplied for workplace use require a safety data sheet. Ensure labels and packaging are correct before placing substances or mixtures on the Great Britain market.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 4 tonnes of non-agglomerated Leonardite powder in bulk bags under 2702 10 00 00, invoiced at £4,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,800, so it is £1,160. 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: match the producer, processing description and batch markings to the approved sample and certificate; investigate undeclared additives.
Analysis: independently check humic acid content using the agreed method and reporting basis, alongside moisture, ash and agreed contaminants.
Application: check particle distribution, caking and the agreed dissolution or extraction behaviour; compare residue with the approved sample.
Packing: inspect bag seams, liners, moisture ingress and net weights on arrival; retain sealed samples from the delivered batch. See quality inspection.
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What goes wrong
A humic acid claim is difficult to compare when the supplier changes the extraction method or reports dry-basis results against an as-received purchase specification. Excess moisture increases delivered weight, while ash, grit and inconsistent milling can reduce usable material or disrupt processing.
Another failure is accepting raw Leonardite against a specification written for a soluble humate ingredient. Approve the actual application test before shipment. Investigate changes in colour, residue or acidity rather than accepting the same trade name as evidence of the same material.
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 Leonardite from China?
The supplied heading 2702 lines both carry 0% duty for China, with no listed anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Confirm that your Leonardite belongs in the selected lignite line.
Does Leonardite need UK REACH registration?
Review the actual material, processing and import arrangements. HSE says businesses importing a substance for the first time need to consider whether UK REACH registration is required.
How do I compare Leonardite humic acid results?
Use the same analytical method and reporting basis. Agree whether the result is on a dry or as-received basis, and test a representative production sample independently.
Can I buy Leonardite powder as a soluble humate?
Do not approve it by trade name alone. Ask whether it is raw material, an extract or a salt, and test dissolution and residue under your intended application conditions.