Sourcing Penicillin G active ingredient from China
Penicillin G active ingredient from China carries 0% UK duty, with no anti-dumping or countervailing duty shown. For human medicines, the importer must register with the MHRA and should confirm the applicable good manufacturing practice requirements with the MHRA before sourcing material. Cambridge China Bridge sources Penicillin G active ingredient.
Zero duty on Penicillin G active ingredient
Heading 2941 covers antibiotics as chemical active substances. Its penicillin line covers penicillins and derivatives with a penicillanic acid structure, including their salts. The table shows Penicillin G salt variants under the same supplied tariff line, rather than separate commodity codes. Finished medicines in doses or retail packs fall outside this active-ingredient guide.
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 5 October 2026, commodity code 2941 10 00 00 carries 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. It attaches an export control for waste. Waste shipment controls apply only when the material is waste; ask your customs broker to confirm the attached control's relevance to the shipment.
Confirm the exact substance, salt and presentation before choosing the commodity code. For wider antibiotic sourcing, see the erythromycin active ingredient guide.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penicillin G sodium active ingredient | 2941 10 00 00 | 0% | None |
Specify the Penicillin G salt and intended use
Name benzylpenicillin, also called Penicillin G, and specify the exact salt. Sodium, potassium, procaine and benzathine material are different purchasing specifications. Agree the applicable pharmacopoeial monograph, assay basis, related substances, residual solvents, water content and whether sterile material is needed. Put the agreed test methods and acceptance criteria in the purchase specification.
For use in human medicines, the UK importer must register with the MHRA; confirm the manufacturer's applicable good manufacturing practice requirements with the MHRA. Check the manufacturing site's evidence and audit coverage for the actual substance. Ask the importer's regulatory lead to confirm with the MHRA whether exporting-authority written confirmation is needed before dispatch. Agree storage conditions, moisture protection and transport monitoring with the supplier.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 500 kg of penicillin G sodium active ingredient under 2941 10 00 00, invoiced at £25,000 free on board, with £1,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £26,500. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £26,500, so it is £5,300. 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 salt name, manufacturer, batch number and container labels to the purchase specification and certificate of analysis.
Batch testing: arrange identity, assay, related-substance, residual-solvent and water-content testing against the agreed specification; do not accept an unrelated batch report.
Packaging and transport: inspect seals, liners and containers for damage or moisture, and review the transport record against the agreed storage conditions.
Penicillin handling: check the supplier's dedicated handling arrangements and the receiving site's segregation plan for preventing cross-contamination.
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What goes wrong
An order described simply as penicillin can arrive as the wrong salt or grade. A certificate of analysis may match the trader's description but not the manufacturer's batch. Missing audit coverage or unresolved import documentation can also stop the buyer accepting the material. Match the substance, manufacturing site and batch throughout the order records.
Heat or moisture can reduce potency, while related substances or residual solvents can fail the agreed specification. Damaged liners and shared handling create further acceptance problems. Hold affected material apart while the quality team reviews the records and test results.
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 Penicillin G from China?
The supplied tariff record shows 0% for code 2941 10 00 00, with no anti-dumping or countervailing measure and no suspension. Import VAT is separate.
Do I need MHRA registration to import Penicillin G?
For active substances intended for human medicines, a UK-based importer must register with the MHRA. Confirm the intended use before ordering.
Can I substitute another Penicillin G salt?
Specify the exact salt and grade. Ask the buyer's technical team to approve any proposed substitution before the supplier makes or dispatches the batch.
What should I check when Penicillin G arrives?
Match batch identity and documents, inspect seals and moisture protection, review transport conditions and arrange testing against the agreed specification.