Sourcing mica pearlescent pigments from China

Usually 6%, with a specific suspension

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 20 October 2026, heading 3206 covers other colouring matter and preparations, including relevant mica-based pearlescent pigments. Titanium dioxide-based preparations fall within its titanium dioxide branches. The table includes composition-dependent alternatives, rather than interchangeable codes. The high titanium dioxide line applies only where its content and use description are met.

The standard duty on the selected lines for goods from China is 6%. The listed preparation containing 72% (± 2%) mica and 28% (± 2%) titanium dioxide has a 0% suspension, subject to its description and the exclusion for mixtures containing the listed product. The suspension on other colouring preparations concerns a named black pigment, not pearl pigments generally. No anti-dumping duty is recorded on these lines; the high titanium dioxide line carries rutile import registration.

The tariff attaches waste import and export controls. For pigment waste from China entering England under notification controls, the exporter must seek consent from the dispatch country's competent authority. Ask your customs broker to confirm the controls for the actual material and route. Confirm the commodity code using the full composition and intended use. See the wider pigments guide for the rest of the heading.

Specify the mica substrate and pearl effect

Specify natural or synthetic mica, coating composition, surface treatment, particle-size distribution and whether the supply is dry powder or a dispersion. Agree the pearl shade, interference colour, sparkle and coverage using an approved sample in your actual resin, ink or coating system. Record the mixing method and application conditions so batch comparisons are repeatable.

Ask for a composition statement and batch certificate of analysis, rather than relying on a supplier's shade name. For Great Britain, confirm with HSE the UK REACH registration position for the constituent substances and the chemical labelling and safety data sheet requirements applicable to the grade. Specify the intended end use before accepting a grade described as suitable for cosmetics, toys or food contact.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of 5 tonnes of mica-based pearlescent pigment under 3206 19 00 90, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,000. Duty at 6% is £1,560. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £27,560, so it is £5,512. Import taxes total £7,072; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,560 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the substrate, coating ingredients and surface treatment to the approved specification and batch certificate.

Appearance: compare applied samples with the approved reference under consistent lighting and at different viewing angles; check pearl shade, sparkle and coverage.

Processing: check particle-size results, wetting, dispersion and settling in the intended formulation; investigate coarse particles, agglomerates and visible specks.

Packing: check batch identification, sampled bag weights, sealed liners and moisture damage; match the labels and safety data sheet to the supplied grade.

What goes wrong

A powder can look similar in the bag yet produce a different pearl effect after application. Changes in particle size, coating or substrate can alter sparkle and coverage. Poor wetting leaves specks, while excessive mixing can damage flakes. Compare production material in the intended formulation before accepting the batch.

Moisture can cause caking, and mixed batch identities make complaints difficult to trace. A supplier's claim of zero duty can also overlook the narrow suspension description. Keep retained samples, agree acceptance criteria and obtain composition evidence before choosing the code.

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.