Sourcing Montan wax from China

Montan wax duty and classification

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 2712 covers mineral waxes, including natural lignite wax. The natural-wax lines distinguish crude goods under 2712 90 11 00 from other goods under 2712 90 19 00. Both carry 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control recorded in the supplied tariff data.

The table also shows broader mineral-wax entries for comparison. These are not default codes for natural Montan wax. Prepared waxes and wax blends with additives fall under heading 3404 in the site's published background. For related products, see the Montan ester wax guide.

Give your broker the composition, manufacturing process and product form to confirm the commodity code. Do not choose a code from the trade name alone. Confirm the UK REACH registration position with HSE before importing, taking account of annual quantities; the importer guide explains the background.

Specify the Montan wax grade

State whether you want crude or refined natural Montan wax, rather than an ester wax or prepared blend. Ask for the material identity, processing description and all added ingredients. Specify the application, such as polish, coating or plastics processing, and approve a sample in your own formulation.

Agree melting behaviour, acid value, saponification value, colour, moisture, ash and supplied form. Record the test method and acceptance range for each agreed property. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and retain an approved sample so later deliveries can be compared on the same basis.

Check hazard classification before supply. Everyone in the supply chain is responsible for correct labelling and packaging before placing chemicals on the market. A safety data sheet is required if the chemical is hazardous and supplied for use at work; request the grade's sheet before ordering.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of non-crude natural Montan wax; illustrative order and values under 2712 90 19 00, invoiced at £24,000 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £25,800. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,800, so it is £5,160. 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

Identity: check that the batch documents describe the agreed natural Montan wax and disclose any additives.

Analysis: compare melting behaviour, acid value, saponification value and colour with the agreed specification; test a retained batch sample.

Condition: inspect flakes, granules or blocks for dirt, foreign particles, dampness and excessive clumping.

Packing: check bag seals, batch identification and delivered weight, and match the bags to the certificate of analysis.

What goes wrong

An order described only as Montan wax leaves room for a different processing route or an undisclosed blend. A sample may perform well while the production batch differs in colour, melting behaviour or acid value. Compare the shipment sample with the approved material before releasing it into production.

Damaged bags can introduce dirt or moisture, while inconsistent particle form can affect dosing. Keep affected stock separate and record the batch and bag condition on arrival. Agree sampling and acceptance criteria before dispatch using the quality inspection guide.

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.