Sourcing Maleimide from China

Maleimide duty and tariff scope

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2925 covers carboxyimide-function and imine-function compounds. N-phenylmaleimide and the named phenylene dimaleimide have dedicated lines. The table repeats the residual imide code for maleimide and unnamed derivatives as classification candidates, rather than separate tariff lines. For the wider heading, see the succinimide guide.

The relevant lines carry 0% duty on goods from China. The supplied snapshot records no anti-dumping or countervailing measures and no suspensions on these lines. It attaches dangerous-chemical and waste controls, both labelled as export controls. Ask your customs broker to confirm their applicability to the transaction, including any proposed return shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the exact chemical identity and composition, rather than the supplier's family name. Separately assess UK REACH registration responsibilities for your substance and business: registration is per substance, per legal entity.

Specify the exact maleimide and assay method

Write the full chemical identity into the enquiry. Distinguish unsubstituted maleimide, N-phenylmaleimide and the named phenylene dimaleimide. Agree assay method, moisture, residual solvents, named impurities, appearance and physical form. Ask whether the assay is reported on the supplied material or a dry basis.

For material intended for a resin or crosslinking process, agree a trial using your formulation and acceptance criteria. Request a batch certificate of analysis and a retained sample. Importers are responsible for chemical classification; supply-chain businesses must ensure correct labelling and packaging before placement on the Great Britain market.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 1 tonne of N-phenylmaleimide, illustrative order under 2925 19 95 10, invoiced at £9,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,800, so it is £1,960. 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 ordered substance, container labels, batch certificate and supplier documents.

Analysis: compare assay, moisture, residual solvents and impurity results with the agreed methods and limits; arrange independent testing where needed.

Packaging: check seals, liners, leakage, caking and changes in colour; record container and batch details before sampling.

Safety information: check that the safety data sheet matches the supplied substance. A safety data sheet is required for a hazardous chemical supplied for workplace use.

What goes wrong

A quotation for 'maleimide' can conceal a different derivative or a formulated product. A high assay result alone does not establish that moisture, solvent residues or physical form suit your process. Treat differences in identity, test method or batch documentation as reasons to hold acceptance.

Caking, discolouration or damaged seals warrant investigation against the agreed specification and retained sample. Avoid releasing the batch solely because its certificate looks acceptable. Agree sampling, independent analysis and the response to a failed process trial before ordering; use testing and certification support where needed.

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.