Sourcing natural rubber and latex from China
Natural rubber from China, latex whether or not prevulcanised, smoked sheets, technically specified grades and gums such as gutta-percha and chicle, pays 0% UK duty on all five lines of heading 4001, with no anti-dumping duty. Buyers check the grade, dry rubber content, dirt and volatile matter, and for latex the ammonia level and stability.
0% duty
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, heading 4001 covers natural rubber, balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums, in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip. All five lines carried 0% on goods from China, with no anti-dumping measure. The tariff also attaches a waste import control; new material clears on a declaration that it is not waste under the retained waste shipments regulation.
Synthetic rubber is heading 4002, covered in our synthetic rubber guide, and compounded rubber in our compounded rubber guide; confirm the commodity code.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural rubber latex, whether or not prevulcanised | 4001 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Smoked sheets | 4001 21 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Technically specified natural rubber (TSNR) | 4001 22 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Other natural rubber in primary forms | 4001 29 00 00 | 0% | None |
| Balata, gutta-percha, guayule, chicle and similar natural gums | 4001 30 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specifying natural rubber
For solid rubber, specify the grade, dirt content, ash, volatile matter, nitrogen, plasticity and Mooney viscosity. For latex, specify total solids and dry rubber content, ammonia level (high or low), mechanical stability time and whether it is prevulcanised. Ask for a certificate of analysis per lot.
Natural latex proteins can cause allergies, so products made from it for consumers, such as gloves or balloons, need clear material information.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 10 tonnes of prevulcanised natural latex in drums under 4001 10 00 00, invoiced at £22,000 free on board, with £1,600 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £23,600. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £23,600, so it is £4,720. 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
Analysis: check the certificate against the specification and test retained samples.
Condition: check solid rubber for mould and contamination, and latex drums for skin, coagulum and leaks.
Packing and storage: check bale wrapping, drum seals and temperature exposure in transit. See our quality inspection guide.
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What goes wrong
Natural rubber orders fail on grade, stability and storage. Dirt or volatile matter exceeds the grade, latex coagulates after freezing or heat in transit, and bales grow mould in damp containers.
Cambridge China Bridge sources rubber materials for UK manufacturers from small lots, with analysis agreed before shipment; see small orders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on natural rubber from China?
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 17 November 2026, all five lines of heading 4001 carried 0% from China.
What should I specify for latex?
Total solids and dry rubber content, ammonia level, mechanical stability and whether it is prevulcanised.
Is synthetic rubber in heading 4001?
No. Synthetic rubber is heading 4002.
Can latex be shipped in winter?
Freezing can make latex coagulate, so agree protected transport and check drums on arrival.