Sourcing n-propanol from China
n-Propanol from China carries 0% UK duty on the supplied tariff line, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. For Great Britain, check UK REACH registration coverage and meet chemical classification, labelling and packaging duties before sale. Cambridge China Bridge sources n-propanol.
The n-propanol tariff line
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, n-propanol falls within heading 2905 for acyclic alcohols, under 2905 12 00 10. The supplied record gives 0% third-country duty for goods from China and records no anti-dumping or countervailing duty.
The record also lists an autonomous suspension at 0.00 %, excluding mixtures, preparations and products containing different components. It attaches an export control for waste. Ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance if the material is recovered solvent, waste or intended for a return shipment.
Confirm the substance identity and composition before choosing the commodity code. Only the supplied n-propanol line is shown here. For related alcohols within the wider heading, see the n-butanol guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| n-Propanol, also called propyl alcohol | 2905 12 00 10 | 0% | None |
Specify n-propanol identity and batch quality
Specify n-propanol rather than isopropyl alcohol, using the substance identifier 71-23-8. Agree assay, water content, acidity, colour and evaporation residue, together with test methods and acceptance criteria. State whether recovered material is acceptable and require a certificate of analysis for the actual production batch.
For Great Britain, businesses importing a substance at one tonne or more annually have UK REACH registration responsibilities. Check whether your supplier has appointed a representative to fulfil those obligations and whether your imports are covered. Before placing imported chemicals on the market, the importer must ensure correct classification, labelling and packaging.
Ask for an English safety data sheet matching the ordered substance and packaging. Agree sampling arrangements and confirm that your warehouse and carrier can handle the proposed shipment before dispatch.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: two tonnes of n-propanol in sealed drums under 2905 12 00 10, invoiced at £3,500 free on board, with £670 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £4,170. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £4,170, so it is £834. 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: match the order, drum labels, safety data sheet and batch certificate to n-propanol, not isopropyl alcohol.
Analysis: compare batch assay, water, acidity and residue results with the agreed specification; arrange independent testing where the application warrants it.
Packaging: check seals, closures, damage and signs of leakage before releasing the delivery.
Traceability: reconcile drum batch references and delivered quantities with the packing list and retain the analysis records.
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What goes wrong
A quote for “propanol” can leave the alcohol identity unclear. A generic certificate can conceal a different batch, while water or residue outside the agreed specification can disrupt drying or formulation. Resolve the identity and test methods before ordering, then compare the arrival batch with the approved specification.
Leaking closures and inconsistent labels make receipt and handling difficult. Hold affected stock for investigation rather than blending it into production. A supplier’s overseas paperwork does not by itself establish that your UK REACH imports are covered.
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 n-propanol from China?
The supplied tariff record gives 0% for 2905 12 00 10, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty recorded. Confirm the code and current measures before declaring the shipment.
Is n-propanol the same as isopropyl alcohol?
No. Order n-propanol explicitly and match the substance identifier 71-23-8 across the specification, labels and batch certificate.
Do I need UK REACH registration for n-propanol?
Importing one tonne or more of the substance annually into Great Britain brings registration responsibilities. Check whether a supplier-appointed representative covers your imports.
What should an n-propanol batch certificate show?
The substance identity, batch reference and results against your agreed assay, water, acidity, colour and residue specification, with the test methods identified.