Sourcing Magnesium Powder from China
Magnesium powder from China carries 0% UK duty across the powder lines, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure shown. Confirm dangerous goods packing and declaration requirements with the relevant transport authority or customs broker; agree purity and particle-size distribution before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources magnesium powder.
Magnesium powder duty and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 8104 covers magnesium and its articles, including waste and scrap. This guide covers magnesium metal powder. For the wider product family, see magnesium ingots and anodes.
All powder lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure or attached import control is shown for these lines. Code 8104 30 00 20 also has a 0.00 % autonomous tariff suspension, excluding mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing these products. The suspension does not reduce the already zero ordinary duty.
Classification depends on particle size and purity, rather than the supplier's product name. Obtain the batch analysis and particle-size results, then confirm the commodity code. The tariff's absence of attached controls does not settle chemical supply or dangerous goods obligations.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magnesium powder, particle size 0.2–0.8 mm, purity 98–99.5% | 8104 30 00 20 | 0% | None |
| Magnesium powder, particle size 0.2–0.8 mm, purity above 99.5% | 8104 30 00 35 | 0% | None |
| Other magnesium powder within the 0.2–0.8 mm particle-size branch | 8104 30 00 40 | 0% | None |
| Other magnesium powders outside the specified particle-size branch | 8104 30 00 90 | 0% | None |
Specify purity, particle size and powder condition
Specify magnesium content by weight, agreed limits for iron, nickel and copper, particle-size distribution, particle shape and any surface treatment. State whether the material is pure metal powder or a blend. Ask for the test method and batch-specific results, rather than a catalogue purity figure.
For supply in Great Britain, classifying and labelling substances must be carried out by someone with scientific competence. Check the proposed hazard label, packaging and safety data sheet before shipment. Assess UK REACH registration responsibilities against your planned imports; registration is per substance, per legal entity.
Confirm dangerous goods packing and declaration requirements for the magnesium powder with the relevant transport authority or customs broker. Have the freight provider review the actual powder specification and transport paperwork before booking. Agree sealed packing, batch identification and a sampling procedure with the receiving site.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative pilot order of magnesium powder in sealed drums under 8104 30 00 35, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £2,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £5,000, so it is £1,000. 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
Chemistry: match the batch number to its analysis certificate and arrange independent testing against the agreed magnesium and impurity limits.
Particle size: compare the measured distribution with the ordered range, including the fine and coarse fractions. Use the agreed test method for both supplier and receiving checks.
Condition: check for damaged seals, moisture evidence, caking and foreign material. Arrange any opening or sampling through the site's agreed handling procedure.
Packing and records: match drum identification, packing list, safety data sheet and dangerous goods paperwork to the delivered batch.
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What goes wrong
A nominal particle size can conceal a broad distribution, while a generic certificate can describe a different production batch. Caking, contamination or a changed surface treatment can make an apparently matching powder unsuitable for the buyer's process. Retain an approved sample and agree acceptance criteria before production.
Shipping can stall when the freight booking describes ordinary metal but the consignment is powder. Settle dangerous goods packing and declarations before dispatch, and arrange batch checks through quality inspection.
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 magnesium powder from China?
The powder lines carry 0% duty. The supplied tariff snapshot shows no anti-dumping or countervailing measure on those lines.
Does magnesium powder need dangerous goods shipping?
Confirm whether dangerous goods packing and declarations are required with the relevant transport authority or customs broker. Have the freight provider review the actual powder and documents before booking.
Which magnesium powder commodity code should I use?
Use the particle-size and purity branches, supported by batch analysis and particle-size results. A supplier's description alone is insufficient to select the code.
What should I ask a Chinese magnesium powder factory for?
Ask for batch-specific chemistry, particle-size distribution and test methods, surface-treatment details, packing specifications and a safety data sheet matching the powder offered.