Sourcing Perchloroethylene from China
Perchloroethylene from China has a UK duty range of 0% to 4%: the ordinary rate is 4%, with a 0% suspension excluding mixtures and preparations. Before supply in Great Britain, check chemical labels and packaging and consider UK REACH registration. Cambridge China Bridge sources perchloroethylene.
Perchloroethylene duty and suspension
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 1 October 2026, perchloroethylene, also called tetrachloroethylene, falls under 2903 23 00 00 within heading 2903, halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons. The ordinary duty for goods from China is 4%, with an autonomous tariff suspension to 0.00 %. The suspension excludes mixtures, preparations and products made up of different components containing the substance. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure is recorded for this line.
The tariff attaches an export control for waste. Ask your customs broker to confirm its relevance, particularly if buying recovered solvent or arranging a return shipment. If material from China is classed as waste and notification controls apply to its import into England, the exporter must apply to the dispatch country's competent authority for consent and follow its procedures.
Confirm the substance, stabiliser formulation and whether the shipment is a substance or preparation before choosing the commodity code. Do not assume that a formulated cleaning product qualifies for the suspension. See the wider chlorinated solvents and HFCs guide for other products within the heading.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene) | 2903 23 00 00 | 4% | None |
Specify the perchloroethylene grade and stabiliser
State the intended process, required purity, stabiliser package and agreed acidity and moisture limits. Specify virgin material if that is what your process requires, and require written approval before substitution with recovered solvent. Ask for a batch certificate of analysis and agree the test methods before ordering.
For a first import of this substance, consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Chemicals must be labelled and packaged correctly before being placed on the Great Britain market. Obtain the safety data sheet and check it against the actual grade, stabilisers and supplied packaging. Use testing and certification support to agree independent analysis where needed.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 20 tonnes of perchloroethylene; illustrative values, apply the eligible suspension under 2903 23 00 00, invoiced at £21,000 free on board, with £3,500 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £24,500. Duty at 4% is £980. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £25,480, so it is £5,096. Import taxes total £6,076; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £980 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Identity: match the perchloroethylene description and batch references across the order, drum labels, safety data sheet and certificate of analysis.
Composition: compare purity, stabiliser content, acidity and moisture results with the agreed specification; investigate missing results before acceptance.
Drums: check closures, seals, corrosion, dents and signs of leakage on arrival. Photograph damaged packaging and keep affected stock separate for assessment.
Documents: check that the analysis certificate identifies the delivered batch and that chemical labels, packaging and transport paperwork match the supplied grade.
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What goes wrong
An unsuitable stabiliser package can allow chlorinated solvent to deteriorate and become acidic, attacking metal and drums. Recovered material may also be supplied against a virgin-grade order. A clear-looking liquid and a generic analysis certificate do not establish that the delivered batch meets your specification.
A preparation containing perchloroethylene may be quoted as though it receives the pure substance's suspension. Resolve composition and classification before shipment. If stock is recovered solvent or waste, ask the broker to confirm the applicable controls before booking transport.
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 perchloroethylene from China?
The recorded ordinary duty is 4% under 2903 23 00 00, with a 0.00 % suspension excluding mixtures and preparations. No anti-dumping or countervailing measure is recorded. Confirm eligibility before shipment.
Are perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene the same product?
Yes. The tariff lists tetrachloroethylene with perchloroethylene as its alternative name. Match the substance identity, grade and stabiliser formulation across the supplier's documents.
What should a perchloroethylene analysis certificate show?
Ask for the delivered batch reference, purity, stabiliser content, acidity and moisture results against your agreed limits and test methods. A certificate for another batch is insufficient for acceptance.
Do I need UK REACH registration to import perchloroethylene?
If you have not previously imported the substance, HSE says you need to consider whether UK REACH registration is required. Resolve this before ordering; the supplier's analysis certificate does not answer that question.