Sourcing MQ silicone resins from China
MQ silicone resins in primary forms from China normally pay 6% UK duty. Heading 3910 has named 0% suspensions, but an MQ resin name alone does not qualify. Before GB supply, check chemical classification, labelling and packaging, plus the UK REACH position for monomers and additives. Cambridge China Bridge sources MQ silicone resins.
MQ resin duty and conditional suspensions
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3910 covers silicones in primary forms. Ordinary MQ silicone resin is a candidate for 3910 00 00 90, carrying 6% duty from China. The supplied tariff record lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. The table shows purchasing forms against the same residual line, rather than separate tariff categories.
The residual line has 0% suspensions restricted to named platinum-catalysed addition-curing liquid mixtures, fluorosilicone intermediates and specified methacrylate-ended siloxanes. An ordinary MQ resin does not qualify simply because it shares the code. The tariff also attaches import and export waste controls. If the material is waste subject to notification, the relevant authorities must consent before shipment; ask your customs broker to confirm the requirements for the China route.
Give your broker the full composition, solvent or carrier, physical form and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Distinguish resin feedstock from a prepared adhesive or finished coating. See the wider silicone guide for other products in this heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| MQ silicone resin powder in primary form | 3910 00 00 90 | 6% | None |
Specify resin structure and formulation performance
Specify methyl or vinyl-functional MQ resin, the ratio of terminating units to network units, hydroxyl content, solids content and solvent identity. For solutions, agree viscosity at a stated test temperature; for powders, agree moisture, volatile content and dissolution behaviour. Record test methods and acceptance criteria alongside the approved sample.
Compare quotations on dry resin content. Trial the resin in your own adhesive or coating formulation and assess compatibility, tack, peel, cohesion and film appearance as relevant. Agree that changes to resin chemistry, solvent or production site need your approval.
Polymers are exempt from UK REACH registration, but check the registration position for monomers and additives rather than treating the whole shipment as exempt. Before supply in Great Britain, check chemical classification, labelling and packaging. Request a safety data sheet covering the actual grade and solvent.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 5 tonnes of MQ silicone resin powder for an adhesive formulator under 3910 00 00 90, invoiced at £17,000 free on board, with £1,400 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £18,400. Duty at 6% is £1,104. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £19,504, so it is £3,900.80. Import taxes total £5,004.80; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £1,104 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: check the grade, functional groups and batch number against the purchase specification and certificate of analysis.
Composition: check solids, hydroxyl content, viscosity and volatiles using the agreed methods; retain a batch sample.
Performance: check dissolution, compatibility and adhesive or coating performance against the approved formulation trial.
Packaging: check drum or bag seals, leakage, powder caking, labels and production dates before loading and on arrival.
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What goes wrong
A solution can look acceptable while carrying less resin than agreed. A change in solvent, hydroxyl content or resin structure can alter compatibility and adhesive performance. Watch for haze, gel particles, incomplete dissolution and powder caking; do not release a batch solely because its certificate matches the grade name.
Keep the approved sample and compare each incoming batch before production. Resolve differences in test methods before rejecting or accepting a lot. Use the inspection guide to organise sampling and 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 MQ silicone resin from China?
Ordinary MQ resin in primary form under 3910 00 00 90 carries 6% duty. Named 0% suspensions are conditional and do not cover ordinary MQ resin merely because it shares the code.
Does MQ silicone resin need UK REACH registration?
Polymers are exempt from registration. Check the registration position for monomers and additives using the actual composition and annual import quantities.
Should I buy MQ resin powder or solution?
Choose against your mixing process and approved formulation. Compare dry resin content, solvent compatibility, dissolution behaviour and handling, rather than the grade name alone.
How do I check an MQ resin batch?
Verify identity, solids, hydroxyl content, viscosity and volatiles against agreed methods. Trial a retained sample in your formulation and inspect seals, labels and batch numbers.