Sourcing methyl tert-butyl ether from China
Methyl tert-butyl ether from China carries 4% UK duty on the relevant residual ether line, with no applicable suspension or recorded trade remedy. Chemical suppliers must classify the product and ensure correct labelling and packaging before placing it on the GB market. Cambridge China Bridge sources methyl tert-butyl ether.
MTBE duty and the residual ether line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, heading 2909 covers ethers and related compounds. For separately supplied methyl tert-butyl ether, the relevant residual acyclic ether line is 2909 19 90 90. The table shows supply formats under the same code, rather than separate tariff classifications. See the wider ethers guide.
The supplied tariff record gives 4% duty for goods from China and records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. Its suspension applies only to bis(2-chloroethyl) ether, not MTBE. The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control for fluorinated greenhouse gases and an export control for waste to this line. Ask your customs broker to confirm their applicability and declaration requirements for your shipment.
Confirm the commodity code using the chemical identity, composition and intended supply form, particularly if the purchase is a blend rather than separately supplied MTBE. Explain whether the material is for laboratory, industrial or fuel use.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl tert-butyl ether for laboratory use | 2909 19 90 90 | 4% | None |
Specify MTBE purity and contamination limits
Write the purchase specification around the intended process: assay by gas chromatography, water, methanol, tert-butanol, other ether impurities, acidity and colour. Agree the test methods and acceptance limits with the supplier and your laboratory. Request a batch certificate of analysis with actual results rather than a generic specification sheet.
Chemical suppliers are responsible for classification. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the GB market. For annual imports of one tonne or more, confirm the UK REACH position before ordering.
Specify container material, closure seals, batch identification and cleaning evidence for reusable tanks. Agree how samples will be collected and retained so that your laboratory can compare the delivered batch with the supplier's results.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: one tonne of methyl tert-butyl ether in drums under 2909 19 90 90, invoiced at £3,000 free on board, with £1,320 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,320. Duty at 4% is £172.80. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,492.80, so it is £898.56. Import taxes total £1,071.36; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £172.80 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the chemical name and batch reference across the order, certificate of analysis, safety data sheet and container labels.
Assay and impurities: compare independent gas chromatography results with the agreed limits for MTBE, methanol, tert-butanol and other ethers.
Water and appearance: check water, colour and visible contamination against the purchase specification.
Containers: check seals, closures, leakage, batch labels and tank cleaning records before accepting the delivery.
Working out your own order? Send us the product on WhatsApp and we reply the same working day: WhatsApp us
What goes wrong
A purity result alone can hide an unsuitable impurity profile. Water or residual material from a previous tank load can make a batch unsuitable for the intended process. Specify impurity tests and cleaning evidence rather than accepting a certificate that reports only total assay.
Another failure is treating a tariff suspension for a different ether as an MTBE exemption. Match the substance to the suspension wording before costing the order. Use the inspection guide to agree sampling and acceptance records.
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 MTBE from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 4% under 2909 19 90 90, with no recorded trade remedy. The suspension on that line is for a different ether and does not cover MTBE.
Does importing MTBE need UK REACH registration?
For annual imports of one tonne or more, confirm the UK REACH registration position before ordering. Check coverage for the substance and your supply arrangements.
What should an MTBE certificate of analysis show?
Ask for batch-specific assay, water, methanol, tert-butanol, other ether impurities, acidity and colour, with test methods and actual results against your agreed limits.
Can I rely on the Chinese supplier's chemical labels?
Chemical suppliers are responsible for classification. Check the labels and packaging for the GB market before supply; matching the factory's documents alone is insufficient.