Sourcing metallocene polyethylene from China
Metallocene polyethylene resin from China carries 0% to 6% UK duty, depending on composition and specific gravity. The catalyst name alone does not settle the code. For food-contact grades, confirm declaration-of-compliance requirements with the relevant food authority. Cambridge China Bridge sources metallocene polyethylene resin.
Duty depends on the polymer, not the catalyst
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3901 covers polymers of ethylene in primary forms. The selected polyethylene lines carry 6% duty on goods from China; the selected ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer lines below 0.94 specific gravity carry 0%. These selected lines show no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no tariff suspension.
The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import waste control to these lines. Ask your customs broker to confirm whether the shipment is waste and which requirements apply. For a shipment from China into England subject to notification controls, the exporter must apply to the competent authority in China for consent. Confirm the applicable waste requirements before dispatch.
Obtain the producer's polymer composition, comonomer content, specific gravity and grade data sheet before confirming the commodity code. The table gives possible classification routes, not interchangeable choices. The listed ethylene-butene line applies only when its full specification is met. See polyethylene and EVA granules for the wider heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, specific gravity below 0.94 | 3901 40 00 90 | 0% | None |
| Other linear polyethylene, specific gravity below 0.94 | 3901 10 10 90 | 6% | None |
| Other polyethylene, specific gravity 0.94 or more | 3901 20 90 00 | 6% | None |
| Ethylene-butene copolymer meeting the listed density and melt-flow specification | 3901 40 00 60 | 0% | None |
Specify the metallocene grade and processing trial
Specify the producer and exact grade, polymer and comonomer composition, melt flow rate with its test conditions, density, virgin or recycled status, and slip, antiblock and stabiliser package. State whether the resin is for blown film, cast film or moulding. For film, agree acceptance checks for gels, haze, puncture resistance and sealing performance using samples processed on your equipment.
Confirm with HSE the UK REACH registration position for the polymer, monomers and additives. Check their registration position separately. For food-contact grades, obtain a declaration of compliance identifying the grade and the supporting migration tests. Ask the supplier to disclose recycled content and any changes to the additive package before approving a replacement grade.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 25 tonnes of metallocene high-density polyethylene granules; illustrative order under 3901 20 90 00, invoiced at £26,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £29,000. Duty at 6% is £1,740. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £30,740, so it is £6,148. Import taxes total £7,888; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,740 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match producer, grade and batch numbers on bags, analysis certificates and shipping documents.
Properties: check each batch's melt flow rate and density against the agreed data sheet; retain samples for comparison.
Processing: run a film or moulding trial and check gels, appearance and the agreed mechanical or sealing performance.
Packing: inspect bag seals, pallet wrapping, contamination and mixed lots before loading and on arrival; use the inspection guide to brief the checks.
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What goes wrong
A supplier offers another metallocene grade as an equivalent, but its melt flow rate, density or additive package differs. The resin then produces gels, uneven film or different sealing behaviour. Approve the exact grade through a processing trial and require agreement before any substitution.
Off-grade or recycled material can be mixed into a batch without disclosure, while split bags allow contamination. Separate suspect lots on arrival and compare retained samples with the approved material. A quotation costed at 0% can also be wrong if the actual composition places the resin in a 6% polyethylene line.
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 metallocene polyethylene resin from China?
The selected lines carry 0% to 6%: qualifying ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers below 0.94 specific gravity carry 0%; the selected polyethylene lines carry 6%. No anti-dumping or countervailing duty is recorded.
Does metallocene polyethylene have its own commodity code?
The supplied tariff lines contain no separate metallocene category. Confirm polymer composition, comonomer content and specific gravity rather than choosing a code from the catalyst name.
What documents should I request for food-contact resin?
Request a declaration of compliance identifying the exact grade and the migration testing behind it. Check that the documents match the supplied formulation and intended application.
Is metallocene polyethylene exempt from UK REACH registration?
Confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration or an exemption applies to the polymer, monomers and additives. Check each ingredient's registration position separately.