Sourcing N-butyl acetate from China

N-butyl acetate: 4% duty

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 November 2026, N-butyl acetate falls under 2915 33 00 00 within heading 2915, covering saturated acyclic monocarboxylic acids and their derivatives. The supplied record shows 4% duty for Chinese-origin goods, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension. The table shows purchasing formats within the same commodity line.

The tariff attaches an export control for waste. Environment Agency guidance says waste shipment controls apply only where the material is waste. For recovered solvent or material offered as waste, ask your customs broker to confirm the applicable requirements before shipment. The attached measure is labelled as an export control.

Confirm the substance and composition using our commodity code guide. Do not assume a formulated solvent blend belongs under the N-butyl acetate line. For the wider heading, see ethyl acetate sourcing.

Specify purity, water and solvent identity

Specify N-butyl acetate expressly rather than accepting a quotation for unspecified butyl acetate or mixed solvent. Agree assay, water, acidity, colour and non-volatile residue limits, together with test methods. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and test a sample in your actual coating, adhesive or cleaning process.

For Great Britain, confirm with HSE whether UK REACH registration is required for your planned annual imports of each substance. Confirm who covers your imports before ordering. Hazardous chemical supply also involves classification, labelling and packaging duties. Arrange an English safety data sheet and approved dangerous goods packaging, as described in the site's published acetate guide.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Drummed pilot order of N-butyl acetate (illustrative) under 2915 33 00 00, invoiced at £2,500 free on board, with £980 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £3,480. Duty at 4% is £139.20. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £3,619.20, so it is £723.84. Import taxes total £863.04; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £139.20 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Identity: match the purchase specification, batch certificate, safety data sheet and container labels to N-butyl acetate.

Analysis: check assay by gas chromatography, water by Karl Fischer and colour against the agreed limits; include acidity and residue where specified.

Packaging: inspect seals, closures, corrosion, bulging and leakage; match packaging markings and dangerous goods documents to the shipment.

Batch traceability: reconcile container batch references and delivered quantities with the certificate and packing list before releasing stock.

What goes wrong

A generic butyl acetate quotation can leave the solvent identity unclear. Excess water, acidity or residue can make an otherwise acceptable-looking liquid unsuitable for the buyer's formulation. A supplier's retained sample may also differ from the shipped batch, so agree how shipment samples will be taken and identified.

Leaking closures and inconsistent labels create arrival problems. Keep questionable stock separate while the supplier and laboratory resolve the discrepancy. Agree the acceptance tests and rejection procedure before paying for production; testing and certification support can help define the evidence needed.

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.