Sourcing natural hectorite clay from China

Duty and classification for natural hectorite

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 2 October 2026, all supplied lines within heading 2508 carried 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty or suspension recorded. For natural hectorite, investigate the “Other clays” line, 2508 40 00 00, using the actual mineral composition and processing history.

The tariff attaches import and export waste controls. For a China-to-England shipment subject to waste notification controls, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent. Shipment can start only after consent from the Environment Agency and other competent authorities involved. Confirm whether the material is waste and which procedure applies with your customs broker, particularly for recovered or spent clay.

The table shows supply forms against the same candidate tariff line, rather than separate commodity lines. Confirm the commodity code from mineral identification, additives and treatment before declaring the goods. See the bentonite and clays guide for the wider heading.

Specify mineral identity and dispersion behaviour

Specify naturally mined hectorite and ask for the mine source, processing route and a declaration of all additives. Obtain a mineral identification report, preferably using X-ray diffraction, alongside the chemical analysis. Ask the supplier to distinguish natural hectorite from synthetic material, blended clay and chemically treated grades.

Agree moisture, particle-size distribution, colour and insoluble residue against an approved sample. Test dispersion, viscosity and settling in your intended formulation. Record water quality, mixing conditions, temperature and the measurement method so that sample and production results can be compared.

UK REACH generally applies to chemical substances on their own and in mixtures or articles. Assess the obligations for the actual material before importing into Great Britain. Fine clay dust can contain respirable crystalline silica, as explained in the wider clay guide; ask for impurity information and plan dust control.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order of palletised bags of natural hectorite powder, confirmed as other clays under 2508 40 00 00, invoiced at £6,000 free on board, with £3,000 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,000. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,000, so it is £1,800. 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 mineral report, mine source and declared treatment to the approved material.

Batch results: compare moisture, particle size, colour and impurity results with the agreed specification.

Performance: disperse an arrival sample using the agreed method and compare viscosity, grit and settling with the retained sample.

Packing: check batch markings, bag condition, liners and pallet protection; investigate dampness, caking or powder leakage.

What goes wrong

A supplier's “hectorite” description may conceal synthetic material, a blend or a treated grade. Similar colour does not establish mineral identity. Substitution can change dispersion and formulation performance, so approve documentary identity and practical performance together.

A sample may disperse well while the delivered batch contains coarse residue or has absorbed moisture. Different mixing conditions can also make viscosity results misleading. Keep a retained sample and an agreed test method, and use testing and certification support where independent checks are 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.