Sourcing oxidised polyethylene wax from China

Zero duty on oxidised polyethylene wax

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, heading 3404 covers artificial waxes and prepared waxes. Oxidised polyethylene wax falls within the other artificial waxes line, 3404 90 00 00, subject to confirming its composition. The table shows different product forms under the same commodity line.

The supplied tariff record gives 0% duty for goods from China, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty, suspension or attached import control listed. Chemical supply duties still need attention: substances and mixtures must be correctly labelled and packaged before being placed on the Great Britain market.

Ask for the chemical identity, composition and details of any additives, then confirm the commodity code. For the wider product family, see our polyethylene wax guide.

Specify acid value and melt viscosity

State whether the wax is for plastics processing, coatings or an emulsification process. Specify acid value, melt viscosity at an agreed test temperature, melting behaviour, density, colour and physical form. For powder, agree the particle size distribution. Record the test methods and acceptance ranges so results from the factory and your laboratory are comparable.

Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and retain the approved sample. Trial the wax in your own formulation before approving bulk supply. Have a chemical compliance adviser check the grade's UK REACH position, including polymer status and constituents. A safety data sheet is required where a hazardous chemical is supplied for use at work.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of oxidised polyethylene wax granules, illustrative only under 3404 90 00 00, invoiced at £30,000 free on board, with £2,200 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £32,200. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £32,200, so it is £6,440. 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: check the grade, composition, batch certificate and safety information describe the material ordered.

Laboratory results: compare acid value, melt viscosity and melting behaviour with the agreed specification using the agreed methods.

Form and condition: check colour, particle size where relevant, contamination, caking and damaged or damp packaging.

Process trial: compare dispersion, lubrication or emulsion behaviour with the retained sample in your own formulation.

What goes wrong

A similar trade name can hide a different acid value or melt viscosity. A replacement grade may disperse differently, alter processing behaviour or fail an emulsion trial. Coarse powder, contamination and caking can also make a shipment behave differently from the approved sample.

Agree that the factory must obtain your approval before changing the grade or formulation. Keep retained samples and batch results, and compare the delivered material before production release. Our quality inspection guide explains how to turn these checks into an inspection brief.

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.