Sourcing molybdenum disilicide powder from China

Duty on molybdenum disilicide powder

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2850 covers hydrides, nitrides, azides, silicides and borides, excluding compounds which are also carbides. Molybdenum disilicide powder is covered by the other silicides line, 2850 00 60 95. The supplied tariff record shows 4% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension on this line.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches an import control for waste to this line. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste. For recovered powder or material described as waste, confirm the applicable requirement with your customs broker before shipping from China. The record also lists export controls for waste and dangerous chemicals; these are export measures, rather than additional import duties.

Confirm the commodity code using the composition and supplied form, especially for powders containing binders or other components. See the wider heading guide for related compounds.

Specify the silicide phase and powder grade

Specify molybdenum disilicide rather than simply molybdenum silicide. Agree the intended process, phase composition, purity, oxygen and carbon limits, free silicon and other metallic impurities. State particle size distribution, the measurement method and whether agglomerates are included in the result.

Ask for a certificate of analysis tied to each production batch and a sample for process trials. Agree sealed packing, container material and storage instructions. For Great Britain, confirm UK REACH registration requirements with HSE, including how annual imports and any appointed only representative affect your position. Safety data sheets must be supplied where required; confirm any applicable classification and labelling requirements with HSE before sale.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative order of 2 tonnes of molybdenum disilicide powder under 2850 00 60 95, invoiced at £50,000 free on board, with £2,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £52,000. Duty at 4% is £2,080. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £54,080, so it is £10,816. Import taxes total £12,896; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £2,080 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: compare the order, container labels and batch certificate; use independent phase analysis to check the powder is molybdenum disilicide.

Chemistry: test representative samples for purity, oxygen, carbon and agreed impurities rather than accepting a generic certificate.

Particle size: compare the distribution with the approved sample using the agreed method; record hard agglomerates and caking.

Packing: check seals, liners, leakage, batch identification and net weight; compare the safety data sheet with the supplied material and handling instructions.

What goes wrong

A quotation for molybdenum silicide can leave the actual phase unclear. A purity figure alone can also conceal unwanted phases or free silicon. Particle size results become difficult to compare when the supplier changes the measurement method or sample preparation.

Poor seals, contamination and hard agglomerates can make a batch unsuitable for the buyer's process. Put acceptance limits and test methods in the order, retain an approved sample and arrange independent quality inspection before releasing the shipment.

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.