Sourcing molybdenum ores from China

UK duty on molybdenum ores and concentrates

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 18 November 2026, heading 2613 covers molybdenum ores and concentrates. Roasted material is listed under 2613 10 00 00 and other material under 2613 90 00 00. The table separates ores and concentrates for buying purposes; these share the corresponding commodity code.

Both lines carry 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. It attaches import and export waste controls. For imports from China, ask your customs broker to confirm whether the material is waste and which requirements apply. For waste subject to notification controls entering England, dispatch, destination and transit authorities must consent before shipment.

Confirm the commodity code using the producer's process description, composition and roasting status. Ask HSE or your customs broker to confirm whether natural ores and concentrates that are not chemically modified qualify for a UK REACH registration exemption. Ask for the supplier's REACH position for roasted material rather than assuming an exemption applies.

Specify molybdenum content and roasting status

State whether you need ore or concentrate, roasted or unroasted, and describe the intended metallurgical process. Specify molybdenum content on a dry basis, moisture, particle size and agreed limits for sulphur, copper, lead, arsenic and phosphorus. Ask the producer to describe the beneficiation and roasting process.

Agree how samples will be drawn, sealed and tested, including a retained sample and an independent laboratory for disputed results. State whether settlement uses dry material weight and assayed molybdenum content. Match the batch assay certificate to the bags and dispatch documents.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative trial consignment of bagged unroasted molybdenum concentrate under 2613 90 00 00, invoiced at £40,000 free on board, with £6,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £46,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £46,000, so it is £9,200. 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

Assay: independently sample each lot and compare molybdenum content and impurities with the purchase specification.

Condition: check moisture, particle size, caking and whether the material matches the agreed roasting status.

Weight: reconcile bag weights, tare and moisture with the agreed dry-weight settlement method.

Packing: check liners, closures, leaking powder, batch identification and container dryness. Use the inspection guide to plan the checks.

What goes wrong

A supplier's selected sample can differ from the shipped lot. Excess moisture increases the delivered weight without adding molybdenum, while impurities can make a batch unsuitable for the buyer's process. Incomplete roasting or mixed lots can also undermine the agreed specification.

Do not settle an assay dispute using appearance alone. Keep sealed samples and agree the independent testing route before ordering. If the supplier describes the cargo as recovered residue or waste, confirm the attached waste control with your customs broker before dispatch.

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.