Sourcing makeup concealers from China
Makeup concealers from China carry 0% duty across the relevant powder and other makeup lines. Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the applicable UK Responsible Person, cosmetic safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements with the relevant authority. Specify each shade and applicator against approved samples. Cambridge China Bridge sources makeup concealers.
UK duty on makeup concealers
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 29 September 2026, heading 3304 covers beauty, makeup and skin-care preparations other than medicaments, including sunscreen preparations, and manicure or pedicure preparations. For concealers, distinguish powders from other formulations. The table separates purchasing formats that can share a commodity code.
The relevant lines carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measures or suspensions recorded. Import VAT is 20%. The tariff attaches CITES import and export controls to 3304 99 00 00, and mercury export controls to both listed codes. Check any animal or plant derivatives with your customs broker before ordering.
The tariff's CITES flag calls for an ingredient-specific check. Confirm the requirement for the actual formulation with your customs broker. Confirm the commodity code using the composition, form and intended use. For the wider heading, see liquid foundation makeup.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid makeup concealers, subject to classification | 3304 99 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Powder makeup concealers, loose or compressed | 3304 91 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify shades, coverage and applicators
Define liquid, cream, stick or powder format; shade names and undertones; coverage; finish; blendability; and the appearance after drying. Keep approved samples for every shade. Assess how the concealer layers over the intended foundation, whether it settles into creases, and whether the colour changes after application.
Specify fill quantity, viscosity or stick hardness, fragrance, container material and closure. For wand packs, approve the applicator, wiper and withdrawal resistance together. Test the actual formula in its intended pack for leakage, separation and drying around the neck.
Before sale in Great Britain, confirm the applicable UK Responsible Person, qualified safety assessment, product information file and product notification requirements with the relevant authority. Arrange confidential disclosure of the quantitative formula to the assessor. Review colourants and preservatives, and retain evidence for performance claims. For hair styling products, see our hairspray sourcing guide.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of liquid makeup concealers in assorted shades; values are illustrative, not a quote under 3304 99 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £6,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,600, so it is £1,320. 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
Shade and finish: compare batch samples with retained standards under consistent lighting, both freshly applied and after drying.
Texture and fill: check spread, coverage, separation, grittiness and fill quantity against the agreed specification.
Applicator and pack: check wiper fit, wand withdrawal, cap sealing, leakage and stick movement where applicable.
Labels and records: match shade names, ingredient lists, batch identification, durability information, warnings and the Responsible Person's details to approved artwork and product records.
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What goes wrong
A sample can match while production shades drift in undertone or dry noticeably darker. Thickening can make a wand difficult to withdraw; a loose wiper can overload it. Creams can separate, sticks can drag or break, and powder concealers can arrive cracked. Record these checks in the purchase specification.
A supplier's ingredient list alone does not replace the quantitative formula needed for assessment. Resolve formula access before committing to printed packaging. Hold batches with unexpected colour, texture, odour or leakage for investigation, and use quality inspection guidance to agree the inspection scope.
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 makeup concealers from China?
The relevant powder and other makeup lines carry 0% duty in the supplied tariff data. No anti-dumping or countervailing measures or suspensions are recorded. Import VAT is 20%.
What paperwork do I need before selling concealer in Great Britain?
Confirm the applicable UK Responsible Person, qualified cosmetic safety assessment, product information file and notification requirements with the relevant authority before sale. Agree formula disclosure with the factory before ordering.
Can I use the same approval sample for every concealer shade?
Keep a retained sample for each shade and agree undertone, coverage and dried appearance. Give the assessor the actual formulations rather than assuming the shade range is identical.
What should I check on concealer packaging?
Check the actual formula with the container, closure, wand and wiper. Inspect for leakage, drying at the neck, poor withdrawal and shade labels that do not match the contents.